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Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


33  WEST  MAiN  STREET 

WEBJTER.N.Y.  14S80 

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CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CIHM/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


V^ 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  techniques  et  bibliographiques 


The  Institute  has  attempted  to  obtain  the  best 
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D 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 


r"|    Covers  damaged/ 


D 


Couverture  endommagde 


Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaurie  et/ou  pelliculie 


I      I    Cover  title  missing/ 


D 
0 


D 


D 


Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 

Coloured  maps/ 

Cartes  giogrsphiques  en  couleur 

Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  de  couleur  (i.e.  autre  que  bleue  ou  noire) 


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Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
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II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajoutdes 
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mais,  lorsque  ceJa  6tait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  M  filmies. 

Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  suppldmentaires: 


L'Institut  a  microfilm^  le  meilleur  r^amplaire 
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point  de  vue  bibliographique,  qui  psuvent  modifier 
une  image  reproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  mithode  normale  de  filmage 
sont  indiquis  ci-dessous. 


r~n   Coloured  pages/ 


Pages  de  couleur 

Pages  damaged/ 
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r  foxet 

ou  piqu6es 

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I      I  Only  edition  available/ 


n 


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slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  refilmed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totalement  ou  partieilement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata,  une  pelure, 
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obtenir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  filmi  au  taux  de  reduction  indiqui  ci-dessous. 

10X  14X  18X  22X 


y 


12X 


16X 


20X 


26X 


30X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


Ths  copy  filmad  h«r«  hat  b««n  raproducad  thanks 
to  tha  ganarosity  of: 

Library, 

Department  of  National  Defence 


L'axamplaira  filmA  fut  raproduit  grAca  h  la 
gAntrosIti  da: 

Biblioth^uo, 

Ministdre  de  la  Defense  Nationale 


Tha  imagaa  appaaring  hara  ara  tha  bast  quality 
possibia  considaring  tha  condition  and  lagibility 
of  tha  original  copy  and  in  icaaping  with  tha 
filming  contract  spacif (cations. 


Original  copias  in  printad  papar  covars  ara  filmad 
baginning  with  tha  front  covar  and  anding  on 
tha  last  paga  with  a  printad  or  illustratad  impraa- 
sion,  or  tha  bacic  covar  whan  appropriata.  All 
othar  original  copias  ara  filmad  baginning  on  tha 
first  paga  with  e  printad  or  illuatratad  impraa- 
sion.  and  anding  on  tha  last  paga  with  a  printad 
or  illustratad  imprassion. 


Las  imagas  suivantes  ont  6ti  reprodultas  avec  le 
plus  grand  soin,  compta  tanu  de  la  condition  at 
da  la  nattat*  da  l'axamplaira  film*,  at  en 
conformity  avac  las  conditions  du  contrat  da 
filmaga. 

Laa  axamplairas  originaux  dont  la  couvertura  en 
papiar  ast  imprimia  sont  filmis  an  commandant 
par  la  premier  plat  at  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
darniira  paga  qui  comporta  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  le  second 
piM,  selon  le  cas.  Tous  las  autres  axamplairas 
originaux  sont  filmte  en  commenpant  par  la 
pramlAra  paga  qui  comporta  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  at  en  terminant  par 
la  darniire  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  tha  symbol  '^^-  (meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  tha  symbol  W  (mea.iing  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 


Un  des  symboles  suivants  apparaitra  sur  la 
darnlAre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  selon  le 
cas:  la  symbols  — ►  signifie  "A  SUIVRE".  le 
symbols  V  signifie  "FIN". 


IMaps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  ara  filmad 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  iiluatrata  the 
method: 


Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc..  peuvent  Atre 
filmfo  A  des  taux  da  r6duction  diffirents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  dtre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  cliche,  il  est  film*  A  partir 
da  Tangle  sup^rieur  gauche,  de  gauche  d  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas.  an  pranant  le  nombre 
d'images  n^cessaira.  Les  diagrammes  suivants 
iliustrant  la  mAthoda. 


1  2  3 


1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

6 

t  \- 


DUB 


THE 


THE 


MILITARY 


AND 


NAVAL  OPE 


IPt  THE  CAN  AD  AS, 


DURING  THE  LATE  WAR  WITH  THE  UNITED  STATES. 


IHCLCDING     ALSO, 

THE  POLITICAti  HISTORY  OF  LOWER  CANADA, 


DURIKO  THE 


ADMINISTRATION    OP 


SIR  JAMES  HENRY  CRAIG, 


AND 


.,»^.  :, 


SIR,  GEORGE  PREVOST, 


JTROM  THE  TEAR   1807  DNTII.  THE   YEAR   1816, 


BY  ROBERT  CHRISTIE,  ESQ. 


tlVEBEC—PRmTED : 
NEW-YOR^/rE-PRINTED:— By  Oram  awd  Mott^ 

1818. 


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CONTENTS. 


,?!.«                  * 

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fl'! 

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,.;      -,. 

CHAP.  I. 

Arrival  of  Sir  James  Heniy  Craig.  Meeting  of  the  Provincial  Parlia- 
ment. Discussions  in  the  Assembly  relating  to  the  Election  of  Judges 
and  Jews.—Prorogatlon.— Elections  and  Meetings  of  the  New  Pro- 
vincial Parliament.— Further  discussions  on  the  EleclJon  of  Judges 
and  Jews— The  Assembly  is  dissolved.- Elections.- Meeting  of  the 
New  Parliament.— Ofter  of  the  Assembly  to  pay  the  Civil  List— "P^t 
appointment  of  an  Agent  in  England  considered. — Measures  respect- 
ing a  Judge.— Second  dissolution. 

CHAP.  n. 

feasures  of  the  administration  and  imprisonment  of  several  persons. 
The  Governor's  Proclamation.  Proceedings  of  the  Court  of  King's 
Bench  at  Quebec.  The  Judge  (De  Bonne)  declines  his  election. 
Prisoners  at  Montreal  released.  Meeting  of  the  New  Pmvincial 
Parliament.  The  Governor's  Speech.  Answer  of  the  Assembly. 
IhG  Governors  reply.  BUI  rendering  Judges  ineligible  to  a  seat  Ja 
the  Assembly.  Prorogation  of  Parliament.  The  Governor's  Depar- 
ture for  England.    His  Character. 

CHAP.  iri. 

lvJ™mL?nf?r'*^r?^T*-  J?"^""^  ^^""^^^  B«>«^  as'uraes  the  go- 
IZ  Si/  SF^'^^^^^Al-  P*  Governor  makes  the  toui  of  the  Dp, 
lE"?^*  1',  ^i«t"'go^tt»e  Provincial  Parliament.  Proceedings  & 
DecwSf  W^T^f '°"-  "J^"'^'^  ^««'°"-  Militia  EmbXd 
Armv^  Hn*  ^  ^7  ^r'l!-*-  Governor  Assembles  the  Legislature 
vS^fn*'  5'°*aJLac^me.  Capture  of  Michillimackfnac.  In- 
vasion of  Upper-Canada.    Retreat  of  the  Enemy.    Battle  of  Mafma- 

!Govemtem."^'^'~"-    ^'""*^''^-    Its  rejecuiu by  the  ATerSan 

CHAP.  IV. 

^  H?s"?'hJ2!ir"*'®.S     ^**,"*  *»f  Queenstown.    Dfeath'of  Gen.  Brock 
"da^  Sck  at  al'T*.^'^"".^"  assumes  the  Command  in  Upp^Jia: 
General  Dearhn.^^  Advance  of  the  American  army  under 

CHAP.  V. 

^^<lheste?''*Th?  r  "^"^  ""^  ^^^^^^  °^  the  Americans  under  General  Win 

burgh     clntuSTTVIf'HyPP"''  ^«"**J^-   Attack  upon  OgdTis 

FTGeorrby  the  ^eri?a„s'  'eSt^"**'''  and  LductCof 
v'sc  yy  we  Amencans,    Expeditioa  against  Sacket's  Harv 


•f 


IV 


CONTENTS. 


bour.  Battle  at  Fort  Meigs.  BrilUarft  attack  upon  the  enemy's  Camp 
atBtoney  Creek  by  Lieut.  Colonel  Harvey.  Affair  at  Beaver  Dams. 
Attack  upon  Black  Rock  by  Lieut.  Colonel  Bishop,  and  death  of  thai 
OlHcer.  Attack'upon  Lower  Sandusky.  Capture  of  the  Growler  and 
Eagle  near  Isle  Jlux  JVoix.  Reduction  of  Plattsburgh,  Champluin  and 
Svvanton.  Affair  of  Goose  Creek.  Death  of  Captain  Milnes,  Naval 
occurrences  on  Lake  Ontario. 


,4'BK> 


GHAP   VL 


^^yal  Engagement  on  Lake  Erie.  Evacuation  of  Detroit  by  the  British. 
Battle  at  the  Moravian  Village  and  defeat  of  General  Proctor.  The 
British  raleetbe  investment  of  Fort  George.  Inv^ion  of  Lower-Ca- 
nada by  Gen.  Hampton,  and  the  defeat  ofthe  enemy  at  Chateauguay 
Iw  Lieut.  Col.  De  Salaberry.  Wilkinson's  Expedition.  Battle  of| 
Chrystler's  Farm.  Retreat  of  the  Americans  to  Salmon  River.  Gen. 
Drummond  assumes  the  Command  in  Upper-Canada.  Americans  I 
evacuate  Fort  George.  British  surprise  and  capture  Fort  HiA- 
gara. 

'  CHAP.  vn. 

Meeting  of  the  Provincial  Parliament.    Parliamentary  proceedings.—  I 
Chief  Justices  Impeached.    Proceedings  of  the  British  and  American  | 
Governments  concerning  Hostages  for  certain  Traitors,  taken  by  the  i 
British  at  the  Battle  of  Queenstown.    Indian  Embassy  to  Quebec. — 
Attack  of  the  Americans  under  General  Wilkinson  upon  the  La  Cote  \ 

mm. 

'  '        CHAP.  vm. 

Occurrences  during^the  winter  1813-14.    Attack  upon  Oswego.  Inva- 

,  9M)n  of  Upper-Canada  by  the  American  forces  under  General  Brown. 

*  Captijir.9  of  Fort  llrie.    Battle  of  Chippawa.    Battle  ot    Lundy's 

■^"Xane.    Aswiilt  Upon  Fort  Erie.    Capture  of  Prairie  du  Cbien.    Ex- 

pedition  against  Michillimackinac  by  the  Americans,  Operations  by 

Sir  John  C.  Sherbrooke.    Expedition  to  Plattsburgh.     Sortie  from 

Fort  Erie,    Evacuation  of  Fort  Erie  by  the  American  Forces^  Mis- 1 

cellaneous  occurrences.      Meeting  of  the  Provincial    Parliament, 

Recall  of  Sir  George  Prevost.    His  departure  from  Quebec. 

POSTSCRIPT. 

f  rpceecliog*  rejatiye  tp  Sir  Georgo  Prevost,  after  his  return  to  Englan-i 

APPENDIX. 


I 


ERRATA. 
'  pa*e  166.— Mr.  M'tfe'An,  ttHo  wds  tilled  at  the  battle  of  York,  wo' 
.Cti^kofthe  Bou$e  ofJimmhlyt  not  Bptak^r  oF  the  House  of  Asfcmbly 


MEMOIRS  of  the  Administration  of  Sir  James 
Henry  Craig,  and  Sir  George  Prevost, 
in  the  Province  of  Lower-Canada^  from  the 
Autumn  of  1807,  until  the  Spring  of  1815; 
comprehending  the  Military  and  \aval  ope- 
rations in  the  Canadas,  during  the  late  War 
with  the  United  States  of  America. 


CHAPTER  I. 

Arrival  of  Sir  James  Henry  Craig.  Meeting  of  the  Provincial  Parlia* 
ment.  Discussions  in  the  Assembly  relating  to  the  Election  of  Judges 
and  Jews.—Prorogation.— Elections  and  Meeting  of  the  New  Pro- 
vincial Parliaraent.—Fiirther  discussions  on  the  Elections  of  Judges 
and  Jews.— The  Assembly  is  dissolved.— Elections.— Meeting  of  the 
New  Parliament.— Offer  of  the  Assembly  to  pay  the  Civil  List.— Th« 
appointment  of  an  Agent  in  England  con8idered.-rMea«ures  respect- 
ing a  Judge.— Second  dissolution. 


turtttoEngIan<i| 


rpWO  years  in  which  we  meet  with  no  remarkable 
-■-  occurrence  had  elapsed  under  the  Administration 
of  Mr.  Dunn,  when  Sir  James  Henry  Craig  arriving 
at  Quebec  in  the  Autumn  of  1807,  assumed  the  reins 
of  Government  in  the  Canadas.  The  former,  in  con- 
stant  expectation  of  a  Governor  from  home,  may  have 
probably  limited  himself  in  the  exercise  of  the  Govern- 


ADMINISTRATION   OF 


[1808 


«Mbodv.h.MV.*        r;  *•"«  Governor  was  averse  to 

rS  a„d^      r'";:"'  """""Sency  should  at  once 
oemand  and  Justify  the  measure.    It  does  not  appear 

S  occasions  a  confidence  in  the  loyrity  of  the 
C  alh'elll''-  '"^-^♦^y  animosity  o^h^  Cana! 
ftdehty,  which  he,  however,  seemed  wiBing  to  avoid 

£':L:''^^r«-n?^^?^'^-odfpuui::^^ 


Khm 


^'.. 


..^K   '''■!*.  "J**^"™  "-a'  «o  convoke  the  House  of  As- 
sembly  which  met  at  Quebec  on  the  29th  January;  1808. 

^T  %''"*.**"?"  ""^  "«"«**  "hieb.  fer  the  two  pre- 
ceding Sessjjns  having  considerably  Engaged  the  atten- 

mf^'t  ^°"^'  *«"«<J  «he  public  feeling,  and  ulti- 
matety  led  to  the  troubles  which  iftemards  embittered 
iiis  administratioii,,  ' 


Oi     I 


A  Judge  of  the  Court  of  King's  Bench  for  Quebec, 
had  for  the  present,  as  well  as  for  some  former  I*arlia- 
ments,  been  returned  as  representative  for  the  County 
of  Quebec,  and  a  doubt  having  been  started  of  theeli- 
gibility  of  Judges  for  seats  in  the  Provincial  Parliament, 
Ihe  House  divWed  in  opiaion.  One  party  maintained 
It  to  be  incompatible  with  the  rank  of  a  Judge,  to  can- 
vass for  votes  in  a  County  in  which  he  was  in  the  daily 
habit  of  administering  justice.    That  many  of  the  Elec- 


[1808  I  1808] 


SIR  JAMES    HENRY   CUMd. 


nust  therefore 
al. 

ime  began  tp 
itain;  but,  al- 
J^  of  the  Peo- 
^as  averse  to 
lould  at  once 
8  not  appear 
expressed  on 
>yahy  of  the 
>f  the  Cana- 
edge  of  their 
ng  to  avoid 
0  puiting  to 


^ouse  of  As- 
nuary;i808. 
he  two  pre- 
?d  the  atten- 
ig,  and  ulti- 
embittered 


>»}i 


Hi     i 


or  Quebec, 
ner  Parlia- 
the  County 
loftheeli- 
^arliament, 
maintained 
ge,  to  can- 
n  the  daily 
)f  the  Elec- 


tors overawed  with  the  apprehension  of  incurring  tJbe 
displeasure  of  the  Judge,  who  in  his  judicial  capacity 
might  pervert  the  ends  of  Justice  to  gratify  personal 
pique,  could  not  be  presumed  to  be  free,  and  uninflu- 
enced by  such  a  candidate.  That  in  England  the 
Judges  were  ineligible  to  a  seat  in  the  House  of  Com- 
nions,  and  in  fine,  tliat  the  artifices  and  intrigues  inci- 
dental to  popular  elections,  were  unbecoming  in  a 
Judge  and  a  mere  prostitution  of  the  judicial  dignity. 
These  and  similar  arguments  were  industriously  pro- 
pagated, and  gained  ground  rapidly  in  the  public  opin- 
ion. The  opposite  party  contended  that  no  such  dis- 
qualification existed  in  virtue  of  the  constitutioi^al,  act* 
by  which  alone  the  Colonial  Legislature  was  to  be 
guided,  and  that  to  create  such,  would  be  an  int^f^neh- 
ment  upon  the  rights  and  privileges  of  the  Iniperial 
Parliament  of  Great-Britain,  which,  it  would  not  fail 
to  resent.  That  it  would  be  absurd  as  well  as.fiaager- 
ous  to  admit  the  right  in  a  constituted  body,  to  amend 
or  modify  in  the  smallest  degree  the  act  of  the  consti- 
tuting power,  upon  which  the  very  existence  of  the 
forJKier  depended,  and  therefore,  that  the  Provincial 
Legislature  was  incompetent  to  disqualify  any  descript- 
ion of  His  Majesty's  subjects  from  being  eligible  to  a 
seat  iij  the  House  of  Assembly.  The  former  opinion 
prevailed  in  the  Lower  House,  but  was  discountenanc- 
ed in  the  Legislative  Council.  ^^>  '^'^  «^i^^«^'  ^ 

Another  question  somewhat  similar  to  this  was  a^- 
tated  .during  the  present  Session.  A  Jew  of  reputable 
character  having  been  elected  and  returne'dfor  the 
Town  of  Th^ee-Rivers,  it  was  cbnterided  that  his  reli- 

■  ^id»l(i«.|n.O•...^  E  S0  Oi 
*  The  Act  of  the  Brltbh  J^rliaitjent  31,  Geo.  3,  chap.  3J,  which  gave 
to  the  Canadas  their  present  Constitution  ,       .  . 


9 


ABMTNI8TIUTI0II   OF 


[1808 

ous  persuasion  created  an  inability  to  sit  and  vote  as 
a  Member  of  the  House  of  Assembly.     The  leading 
Members  exerted  themselves  in  support  of  the  compe- 
tence of  the  House  to  exclude  him  by  raolutiony  or  at 
least  of  the  undeniable  right  of  tlie  Legislature  to  sup- 
ply by  enactment,  such  provisions  in  matters  affecting 
their  privileges  as  might  have  been  improvidently  omit- 
ted in  the  constitutional  act.     After  some  animated  de- 
bate, rather  relating  to  the  mode  of  expelling  or  dis- 
qualifying the  Member  for  Three-Rivers,  than  to  the 
propriety  of  the  measure,  the  party  for  expelling  him  by 
resolution  prevailed,  and  it  was  resolved  '  that  being 
*  of  the  Jewish  persuasion  he  could  not  take  a  seat,  nor 
«  sit,  nor  vote  in  the  House  of  Assembly.'     The  House 
granted  a  sum  for  repairing  the  ancient  Castle  of  St. 
Lewis  (the  residence  of  the  Governor)  and  the  business 
of  the  Session  being  brought  to  a  close,  the  Governor 
with  some  encomiums  on  the  diligence  and  liberality  of 
the  Assembly,  prorogued  the  Session,  whicli  terminat- 
ed the  fourth  Provincial  Parliament. 


■<iiiilP,U) 


H{ 


>iti  .gfj 


»rti; 


tfnhappily  for  the  tranquillity  of  this  administration 
la  party  spirit  had  gained  ground,  and  was  irritated  by 
the  odious  and  reiterated  reflections  of  an  eminent 
journalist  in  the  metropolis  of  the  colony,  upon  the 
manners  and  customs  of  the  Canadian  population^  as 
well  as  upon  their  religious  and  political  opinions.  His 
sentiments  in  the  minds  of  those  who  were,  or  rather, 
who  conceived  themselves  essentially  injured  by  them, 
were  considered  as  of  a  party  Anti- Canadian,  nay,  even 
of  the  Government  itself.  A  few  individuals,  indignant 
at  the  affront,  incurred  the  espenc^e  of  procuring  a 
press,  with  a  view  of  counteracting  the  influence  which 
the  lal^ors  of  the  Editor  might  produce,  to  the  political 


[1608 

and  vote  as 
riie  leading 
*  the  compe- 
^luHoHf  or  at 
^ture  to  sup- 
ers affecting 
dently  omit- 
nimated  de- 
lling  or  dis- 
than  to  the 
Uiog  him  by 
*■  that  being 
i  a  seat,  nor 
The  House 
astle  of  St. 
the  business 
e  Governor 
liberality  of 
Ji  teroiinat* 

ninistration 
irritated  by 
m  eminent 
,  upon  the 
lulation^  as 
aions.  His 
,  or  rather, 
d  by  them, 
I,  nay,  even 
I,  indignant 
rocuring  a 
ence  which 
\ie  political 


SIU   JAMES   HENRY  CRAIG. 


9 


1808] 

detriment  of  the  Provinc  e.    From  this  Press  a  weekly 
Paper,  called  Le  Canadian,  issued  iu  the  French  lan- 
guage, which  soon  acquired  popularity  with  tlie  deno- 
mination of  an  opposition  paper.     A  newspaper  strife 
far  from  harmonising  parties,  by  reciprocally  enquir- 
ing into  the  causes  of  their  misunderstanding,  iuaamed 
the  growing  evil,  and  the  odious  sense  appUed  to  the 
terms  Canadian  and  Anti-Canadian^  Choyen  and  Demo- 
&at,  distinctive  of  parties,  gave  uneasiness  to  all  who 
earnestly  cultivated  a  good  understanding  with  their 
fellow  citizens.    From  the  novel  and  hardy  spirit  of 
this  publication,  many  who  were  connected  with  the 
administration  of  the  Colonial  Government,  or  depen- 
dant upon  it,  affected  to  suspect  a  conspiracy  on  foot, 
and  that  secret  funds  were  furnished  from  abroad  for 
the  purpose  of  alienating  the  minds  of  the  people  from 
their  allegiance,  and  to  revolutionize  the  Province. 
Some  ancient  and  respectable  citizens,  known  to  have 
contributed  towards  the  purchase  of  the  press,  were 
dismissed  from  their  rank  in  the  Sedentary  Militia; 
among  them  Mr.  Panet,  the  Speaker  of  the  House  of 
Assembly,  a  gentleman  of  the  most  unimpeachable  in- 
tegrity.    This  measure,  although  of  little  importance 
in  itself,  created  from  its  harshness,  an  interest  in  the. 
public,  which  strengthened  the  party  already  formed  in; 
opposition  to  the  measures  of  the  administration,       .," 

In  June,  the  elections  for  the  ensuing  Parliament 
took  place,  and  were  conducted  in  most  counties  with 
unanimity.  The  late  Speaker  presented  himself  for  the 
Upper  Town  of  Quebec,  but  the  resident  Military,  and 
dependants  on  the  several  Military  Departments  in 
Quebec,  entitled  to  vote,  influenced  by  the  example  of 
their  Chiefs,  turned  tlie  scale  against  him.  He  was 
however,  elected  in  the  mean  time  for  another  County. 

1* 


10 


-*JBMlNISTRATIOir  OF 


[1809 


extraordinary  „a.e'  TJ^^Tf  '""  '""•     ^''^ 
with  the  American  Fm\„  "'''''"'•    combined 

o.- commerce  too"hfcaS'  ""]"f  ""  """^'■'"  "^e 

utility  to  the  motherctnml  '  ""'  "'*"  '•^'""'-^^^  »"•« 

yo-d  the  expec^Jfon  X^  ^r.  ^:^'^'' ^^  "- 

.'«ent  cpecuiator.  iangume  and  intel- 

On  the  loth  of  4DriI   iftno   ♦!     tt 
™e.  pursuant  to  the  Gov'e  S  ^om""?''^'"'^"^ 
people  were  on  the  tiptoe  rfanxlTv""'  ""''  *''* 
Sone  abroad  that  H-sE^TJ        ^'  ^  ''^P''"  *'^'''">S 
'vitbtheHouseThouidfh.t".^  "'""'''  ""•  *«»"="* 
Spealcerof  the  :,e  te  ;*ftr\^  '"5"""-  "'■•''<' 

some.imebeforedisSrdrSa%;  °™  l';'"'''^ 
was,  however  alm.»«f  »„o  •    ^^  -^  he  gentleman 

^h.Governo:;:;;:::z"ri:s^^^^^ 

fairs  vith  America?  ".'  unfavorable  posture  of  af- 
BnUm;  the  emigration  of  the  Royal  FamilTnf  P 

F..h;a„^doo:i^7cir,rsi^^^^^ 

the  Legislature  against  jealousies  amoPg  them' Xr  o! 

.iti?r!r--'f  -'« "ave  fo  5::' s 

»aid"hff-"thanT"T  ''"""'"•   '  * "'ff^**  gentlem'en,' 

•  to  cJl  you  tomher  a?  """"'"*"  "^  "rcn^stances 
w  «aii  you  together  at  a  season  of  the  year  which  I 


[1809  I   1809] 


SIR  JAMES   HENRY  CRAIG. 


n 


ons  of  Quebec 
oundatlons  of 
nding  ground 
•e  laid.    The 
e,   combined 
unusual  tide 
esources  and 
ified,  far  be- 
ne and  intel- 

of  Assembly 
ion,  and  the 
5ort  havings 
not  concur 
lavor  of  the 
lom  he  had 
gentleman 
weaker,  and 


Jfj  the  Go- 
tut  e  of  af- 
i;  and  th3 
S>y  Great- 
ly of  Por- 
British  at 
i  from  the 
ambers  of 
iselves,  or 
er  object 
utiemen,* 
0  stances, 
•  which  I 


am  well  aware,  must  be  highly  inconvenient  to  many 
of  you :  this  consideration  dwelt  so  stronglv  upon  my 
mind,  that  not  seeing  any  particular  object  of  public 
service  that  indispensably  required  your  immediate 
attention,  I  had  it  in  contemplation  to  defer  your 
meeting  'till  a  period  of  less  prejudicial  consequence 
to  your  private  accommodation,  but,  on  referring  to 
the  Act  of  the  British  Parliament  on  v/hich  the  Con- 
stitution of  this  Province  is  founded,  I  felt  reaJ?on  of 
hesitation,  at  least  as  to  the  grounds  on  which  I  sup- 
posed myself  able  to  do  so  ;  I  havfe  therefore  been  in- 
duced to  rely  on  your  cheerful  acquiescence  in  the 
inconvenience  under  which  your  may  labolfljirather 
than  give  rise  to  a  possible  doubt  as  to  myinf^ntion  ^ 
of  infringing  on  a  right  so  valuable  to  you  as  that  of 
your  annual  Assembly.  And  this  I  have  done  under 
the  circumstance  of  being  precluded  from  giving  quite 
that  notice  which  has  been  in  some  degree  sanctioned 
by  custom,  and  which,  although  not  called  for  by  any 
express  law,  is,  nevertheless  a  precaution  for  the  pre- 
servation of  that  mutual  confidence  which  is  so  desir- 
able, by  guarding  against  the  possibility  of  any  sus- 
picion, as  to  the  intention  or  circumstances  under 
which  you  may  be  assembled^ 


The  House,  after  an  address  in  answer  to  His  Excel- 
lency's Speech,  into  which  it  was  endeavored  to  intro- 
duce an  indirect  reproof  for  the  hints  which  had  fallen 
from  him,  resumed  with  warmth,  the  question  concern- 
ing the  Judge  and  the  Jew.*  The  more  determined 
Members  were  .for  expelling  them  by  resolution,  but  a 
motion  for  the  expulsion  of  the  Judt,e  in  this  mode, 
was  negatived  by  a  considerable   majo/ity,  part  of 

^  These  Gentl«men  had  been  re-elected  at  tbe  late  £lec^ss« 


12 


ADMINISTRATION  OF 


[180^ 


M^hom  though  disposed  to  disqualify  Judges  from  being 
eligible  to  a  seat  i»  the  House,  were  averse  to  the 
means  proposed,  insisting  that  nothing  less  than  an  Act 
of  the  Legislature  could  operate  such  a  disqualification. 
Others  strongly  urged  that  tlie  Electors  were,  and  of 
nght  ought  to  be,  the  sole  constitutional  judges  of  the 
competence  of  their  delegate,  and  that  his  expulsion 
under  any  form,  would  amount  to  a  gross  violation  of 
the  most  sacred  rights  of  the  people,  and  be  an  act  of 
arbitrary  power,  incompatible  with  the  freedom  of  the 
Constitution.     This  effort  having  failed,  a  committee 
was  appointed  to  enquire  into,  and  report  to  the  House, 
the  inconvenience  resulting  from  the  election  of  Judges 
to  sit  in  the  House  of  Assembly,  and  in  the  meantime, 
a  disqualifying  Bill  was  introduced  and  read  for  the 
first  time.     The  enquiry  was  carried  on  with  persever- 
ance, and  proved  rather  to  the  disadvantage  of  the  in- 
dividual concerned,  for  which  reason  we  refrain  from 
any  reflection  on  the  subject.     The  exclusion  of  the 
Jew  was  more  closely  prosecuted.     The  House  renew- 
ed the  resolution  which  had  been  taken  against  his  ad- 
mittance to  sit  and  vote  in  the  last  Session  of  the  pre- 
ceding Parliament,  and  a  Bill  to  disqualify  Jews  from 
being  eligible  to  a  seat  in  the  House  of  Assembly  was 
introduced,  and  underwent  two  readings.     The  lapse 
of  five  weeks  in  the  prosecution  of  these  measures  ex- 
hausted the  patience  of  tlie  Governor,  whose  Military 
education  and  habits,  may  on  this  occasion  have  influ- 
enced his  better  judgment.     The  spirited  perseverance 
of  a  deliberate  body  in  a  favorite  measure,  appeared 
to  him  like  the  refractory  spirit  of  a  body  of  soldiers, 

muvii  IXC   acciuvu  ucriCliliiUCU  lU  Cl'USIi. 

On  the  15th  of  May,  he  went  down  in  state  from  the 


1809] 

Castle 
cd  intc 
giving 
(five  if] 
dissolv 
the  ser 

*  at  th( 
'  reaso 

*  and  ] 

*  guidi 

*  manl 
'dual 

*  cerns 
*^thee 
'  spate 

*  the  f. 
'  absti 

I  *  to  di 
^  *  tenil 

*  for  p 

*  in  wl 
'  fare  < 

*  beca 

*  such 

*  as  it 

*  gove 

*  have 

*  to  p 
*forb 

*  ciall 
^  stoo< 

*  to  ac 

*  pecti 


[180^ 

s  from  being 
Lverse  to  the 

than  an  Act 
lualification. 
vere,  and  of 
jdges  of  the 
lis  expulsion 

violation  of 
be  an  act  of 
edom  of  the 
I  committee 
3  the  House, 
>n  of  Judges 

mean  time, 
ead  for  the 
th  persever- 
^e  of  the  in- 
efrain  from 
ision  of  the 
)use  renew- 
inst  his  ad- 
of  the  pre- 

Jevvs  from 
sembly  was 

The  lapse 
easures  ex- 
se  Military 
have  influ- 
rseverance 
,  appeared 
)f  soldiers, 


SIR  JAMES   HENRY   CRAIG. 


la 


1809} 

Castle  to  the  Legislative  r:ouncil,where  having  summon- 
ed into  his  presence^  the  House  of  Assembly,  and  after 
giving  the  Royal  Assent  to  such  Bills  as  were  ready, 
(five  in  number)  he  informed  them  of  his  intention  of 
dissolving  the  present  Parliament,  and  of  recurring  to 
the  sense  of  the  people.  *  When  I  met  you,  (said  he,) 
at  the  commencement  of  the  present  Session,  I  had  na 
reason  to  doubt  your  moderation  or  your  prudence, 
and  I  therefore  willingly  relied  upon  both  :  under  th^ 
guidance  of  these  principles  I  expected  from  you  a 
manly  sacrifice  of  all  personal  animosities,  and  indivi'*' " 
dual  dissatisfaction,  a  watchful  solicitude  for  the  con* 
cerns  of  your  country,  and  a  steady  perseverance  id 
the  executing  of  your  public  duty,  with  zeal  and  de- 
spatch. I  looked  for  earnest  endeavors  to  promote 
the  general  harmony  of  the  province,  and  a  careful 
abstinence  from  whatsoever  might  have  a  tendency 
to  disturb  it ;  for  due  and  therefore  indispensable  at- 
tention to  the  other  branches  of  the  Legislature,  and 
for  prompt  and  cheerful  co-operation  and  assistance 
in  whatever  might  conduce  to  the  happiness  and  wel- 
fare of  the  Colony.  All  this  I  had  a  right  to  expect, 
because  such  was  your  constitutional  duty ;  because 
such  a  conduct  would  have  been  a  lasting  testimony, 
as  it  was  the  only  one  sought  for  by  His  Majesty's 
government,  of  that  loyalty  and  affection  which  you 
have  so  warmly  professed,  and  which  I  believe  you 
to  possess  ;  and  because  it  was  particularly  called 
for  by  the  critical  conjuncture  of  the  times,  and  espe- 
cially by  the  precarious  situation  in  which  we  then 
stood  with  respect  to  the  American  States  I  am  sorry 
to  add,  that  I  have  been  disaonointed  in  ail  these  ex- 
pectations, and  in  every  hope  on  which  I  relied. 


14 


ADMINISTRATION    Or 


i 


[1809 

*  You  have  wasted  (continued  he)  in  fruitless  debates, 
excited  by  private  and  personal  animosity,  or  by  fri- 
volous contests  upon  trivial  matters  of  form,  that  time 
and  those  talents,  to  which  within  your  walls,  the 
public  have  an  exclusive  title.  This  abuse  of  your 
functions  you  have  preferred  to  the  high  and  import- 
ant duties  which  you  owe  to  your  Sovereign  and  to 
3  o  ir  constituents,  and  you  have  thereby  been  forced 
to  neglect  the  consideration  of  matters  of  moment 
and  necessity  which  were  before  you,  while  you  have 
at  the  same  time  virtually  prevented  the  introduction 
of  such  others  as  may  have  been  in  contemplation.  If 
any  proof  of  this  misuse  of  your  time  were  necessary, 
I  have  just  presented  it  in  having  been  called  on  after 
a  session  of  five  weeks,  to  exercise  his  Majesty's  pre- 
rogative of  assent,  to  only  the  same  number  of  bills, 
three  of  which  were  the  mere  renewal  of  acts  to  which 
you  stood  pledged,  and  which  required  no  discus- 
sion. So  much  of  intemperate  heat  has  been  mani- 
fested in  all  your  proceedings,  and  you  have  shewn 
such  a  prolonged  and  disrespectful  attention  to  mat- 
ters submitted  to  your  consideration  by  the  other 
branches  of  the  Legislature,  that  whatever  might  be 
the  moderation  and  forbearance  exercised  on  their 
parts,  a  general  good  understanding  is  scarcely  to  be 
looked  for  without  a  new  Assembly.' 


*  I  shall  not  (he  added,)  particularly  advert  to  other 

*  acts  which  appear  to  be  unconstitutional  infringe- 

*  ments  of  the  rights  of  the  subject  repugnant  to  the 

*  very  letter  of  the  statute  of  the  Imperial  Parliament, 
— *  under  which  vou  hold  vour  seats :   and  to  have  been 

*  matured  by  proceedings,  which  amount  to  a  derelic- 

*  tion  ofthefirst  principles  of  natural  justice.'   He  cor- 


1809] 


[1809 

less  debates, 
y,  or  by  fri- 
m,  that  time 
ir  walls,  the 
use  of  your 
and  import- 
eign  and  to 
been  forced 
of  moment 
lie  you  have 
utroduction 
nplation.  If 
e  necessary, 
led  on  after 
jesty's  pre- 
)er  of  bills, 
cts  to  which 
;  no  discus- 
been  mani- 
have  shewn 
ion  to  mat- 
y  the  other 
?r  might  be 
;ed  on  their 
arcely  tobe 


ert  to  other 
i\  infringe- 
uant  to  the 
Parliament, 
>  have  been 
o  a  derelic- 
?.'   He  COR- 


1809] 


SIR  JAMES    HENRY  CRAIG. 


15 


eluded  ibis  speech  with  his  acknowledgments  to  the  Le- 
gislative Council  for  the  unanimity,  zeal,  and  unremit- 
ting attention,  they  had  shewn  in  their  proceedings. 

To  a  portion  of  the  House  of  Assembly,  he  also  ex- 
pressed his  thanks,  and  trusted  they  would  believe  he 
did  them  the  justice  of  a  proper  discrimination  in  the 
sense  he  entertained  of  their  efforts,  to  avert  that  con- 
duct of  which  he  had  so  much  reason  to  complain. 
'  By  this,  gentlemen,'  (said  he,  addres^ng  himself  to 
the  minority  who  had  purposely  assembled  together  on 
one  side  of  the  room)  *  You  have  truly  manifested  your 

*  affection  to  His  Majesty's  government,  and  your  just 

*  estimation  of  the  real  and  permanent  interests  of*  the 
'  Province.' 

This  hardy  and  decisive  measure  astonished  the  lead- 
ing members,  who,  at  the  utmost,  anticipated  no  more 
than  a  prorogation.  A  dissolution  attended  with  such 
pointed  and  almost  personal  censure,  far  exceeded  their 
expectation,  and  they  returned  to  their  constituents 
covered  with  the  opprobrium  of  having  incurred  the 
Governor's  displeasure  ;  a  matter  of  no  little  moment 
in  the  eyes  of  the  multitude,  as  yet  unaccustomed  to 
the  freedom  of  the  constitution.  The  country  people 
who  were  at  first  disposed  to  think  favorably  of  the 
recent  measures  of  the  Executive,  gradually  altered 
their  opinions,  and  were  finally  persuaded  that  the 
House  of  Assembly  had  been  dissolved  for  having 
espoused  their  interests,  in  opposition  to  the  encroach- 
ments of  the  Crown.  The  press  r/as  put  into  violent 
action,  and  the  Canadian  teemed   nih  able  but  sarcas- 

i;_  _i„:-i iK_  r^ >,.  ..^.  «->u  ^*  *U^    A'^t.^\.,^ 

IIU    SU'ieiUrCS   Uil    liiC    VJUVUIUUi"  a    3p^.C*^U    ai    \ll^    ciiOBvrm- 

tion,  and  with  strong  animadversions  upon  the  public 
measures.    The  preamble  to  the  Bill  of  Rights,  iii 


11 


la 


ADMINISTRATION   OF 


1809] 


allusion  to  the  Governor's  measures  with  respect  to 
the  Assembly,  was  inserted  as  a  motto  at  the  head  of 
that  paper,  which  was  industriously  circulated  through- 
out the  province.  Among  other  reports,  it  was  said, 
and  at  length  currently  believed,  that  the  Governor 
had  been  influenced  and  deceived  by  the  intrigues  of 
a  favorite  judge,  whom,  having  discovered  the  crafti- 
ness and  duplicity  of  his  character,  he  now  intended 
to  discard.  This  belief  materially  contributed  to  re- 
instate and  confirm  the  credit  of  the  late  members  in 
the  minds  of  the  people. 

In  the  middle  of  June,  the  Governor  left  Quebec  on 
a  tour  through  the  Province,  attended  with  a  numer- 
ous suite,  and  travelled  in  magnificent  style.  Several 
of  the  citizens  of  Three-Rivers,  Montreal,  Saint  Johns, 
and  William  Henry,  successively  received  him  with 
Addresses  of  applause  and  thanks,  for  the  interposition 
of  the  royal  prerogative  in  dissolving  the  House  of 
Assembly.  These  addresses  being  inserted  in  the  pub- 
lic prints,  were  criticised  in  the  Canadian  with  much 
asperity  and  abuse.* 

In  the  month  of  October  the  election  for  the  ensu- 
ing Parliament  took  place,  and  the  people  having  had 
ample  time  to  reflect  upon  affairs,  re-elected,  contrary 
to  the  expectation  of  government,  most  of  the  late  re- 
presentatives ;  removing  some  who  were  supposed  to 
have  been  too  passive,  and  substituting  others  of  a  less 
flexible  temper  in  their  stead. 

*  Among  the  arbitrary  measures  which  characterise  the  times»  the 

■wwb*MM«kl  .«^*   4l«^k    G^vl««»«4yxii» /^^^»««k«Mk1        tt\tiv\^k**    Gbtiva**^      <i0i^Bv«M««      TOTy\m    Imta    flvK'*A 

trv^fmrr.r  9  vt    ???tt    •  _?t  ••  !^,'9 1 -.ys    -,  *?:  ttT'f  mts^  tprsniT   ^    t„»i?i!?»:?  tl  i  vtt^it^sj  ti»   ii  irKSB   user   •rem-sj^ 


without  any  other  ostensible  reason  than  his  independent  conduct  as  a 
Member  of  the  House  of  Assembly  is  not  the  least  remarkable.  He  was 
imcceeded  by  Stephen  Sewell,  esquire,  an  Advocate  at  Montreal. 


1810] 


1809] 

respect  to 
the  head  of 
ted  through- 
it  was  said, 
e  Governor 
intrigues  of 
i  the  crafti- 
►w  intended 
juted  to  re- 
members in 


Quebec  on 
h  a  numer- 
e.  Several 
$aint  Johns, 
^d  him  with 
iterposition 
le  House  of 
in  the  pub- 
with  much 


r  the  ensu- 
having  had 
df  contrary 
the  late  re- 
upposed  to 
?rs  of  a  less 


the  times»  the 

it  conduct  as  a 
:able.  He  was 
»ntreal. 


1810]  SIR  HENRY  JAMES    CRAIG.  17 

The  House  of  Assembly  met  on  the  29lh  January, 
1810,  pursuant  to  the  Governor's  Proclamation.     The 
Speaker  of  the  last  Assembly  (Mr  Panet)  being  re- 
elected, was  approved  of  by  the  Governor,  who  in  his 
speech  to  the  legislature  adverted  to  the  unfavourable 
disposition  of  America   towards  Great-Britain.     He 
complimented  them  on  the  capture  of  the  Island  of 
Martinique,    and  the  battle  of  Talavera,  which  had 
torn  from  the  French  that  character  of  invincibility 
they  imagined  themselves  to  have  possessed  in   the 
opinion  of  the  world.     He  recommended  a  renewal  of 
such  acts  as  might  enable  the  executive  government 
more  effectually  to  discharge  its  duty,  in  guarding 
against  dangers  which  could  scarcely  be  remedied  by 
the  common  course  of  law.     He  called  their  attention 
to  the  practice  of  forging  foreign  bank  bills,  which, 
from  the  want  of  a  remedy  in  the  present  code  of  pen- 
al laws,  had  of  late,  grown  to  a  very  dangerous  ex- 
tent, to  the  prejudice  of  the  neighbouring  States  of 
America,  as  well  as  to  our  own  subjects.     With  re- 
spect to  the  question  which  had  led  to  the  dissolution 
of  the  preceding  Assembly,  he  observed,  "  that  during 

*  the  two  last  Sessions,  the  question  of  the  expediency 

*  of  the  exclusion  of  His  Majesty's  Judges  of  the  Court 

*  of  King's  Bench,  from  a  seat  in  the  House  of  Repre- 

*  sentatives  had  been  much  agitated ;  that  this  question 

*  rested  on  the  desire  of  precluding  the  possibility  of 

*  the  existence  of  a  bias  on  the  minds  of  persons  exer- 
'  cising  functions  in  those  Courts,  from  their  being  un- 
'  derthe  necessity  of  soliciting  the  yotes  of  individuals, 
'  on  whose  persons  or  property,  they  might  afterwards 
'  have  to  decide.  Whatever  (said  he)  might  be  myown 
'  opinion  on  the  subject,  I  nevertheless  hold  the  right 
'  of  choice  in  the  people,  and  that  of  being  chosen  by 

2 


m 


Id 


ADMINISTRATION   Oi" 


[1810 


J  SI 


^^Uiem  in  too  high  estimation  to  have  taken  upon  iny- 

*^!«elf,  had  the  question  ever  come  before  me,  the  re- 

'^sponsibilityofgiving  His  Majesty's  assent  to  tlieput- 

*  ting  Jimits  to  either,  by  the  exclusion  of  any  class  of 
rhis  subjects ;  and  they  are  rights,  of  which  it  is  im- 
f possible  to  suppose  they  could  be  deprived  by  any 

*  pther  authority  than  that  of  the  concurrence  of  the 
J*  three  brancl^fis  of  the  legislature.  That  the  channel 
•in  which  flow^  the  current  of  public  justice,  should  be 

*  pure  and  free  from  every,  the  slightest  contamination, 

*  is  too  essential  to  the  happiness  of  the  people,  not  to 

*  |)e  interesting  to  a  government  which  has  solely  that 
f'oljject  in  view,  and  it  is  little  less  necessary  to  that 
^happiness,  that  there  should  not  exist  in  the  minds  of 

*  the  people  a  doubt  on  the  subject.  In  this  latter  view, 

*  (he  observed)  I  have  thought  that  the  early  disposal 

*  of  the  question  may  be  of  utility,  and  therefore,  in 

*  recommending  the  subject  to  your  consideration,  I 

*  have  to  add,  that  having  received  His  Majesty's  plea- 

*  sure  upon  it,  I  shall  feel  myself  warranted  in  giving 

*  his  royal  assent,  to  any  proper  bill  for  rendering  His 
^  Majesty's  Judges  of  the  Courts  of  King's  Bench,  in 

*  future,  ineligible  to  a  seat  in  the  House  of  Assembly, 
'  in  which  the  two  houses  may  concur.' 

This  speech,  far  from  conciliating,  tended  to  inflame 
the  Commons,  who  construed  it  into  an  avowal  of  pre- 
cipitancy and  error  in  dissolving  the  last  Parliament, 
and  it  was  surmised  by  many,  that  the  Governor  bad 
incurred  the  displeasure  of  ministers  by  the  exercise  of 
the  royal  prerogative  in  dissolving  the  late  Assembly. 

This  imnreKsion    pmhnMpnp«4  iUe^  mt^m\\tiva    e*\U    :n/4:n.>- 

nant  at  the  late  dissolution.  The  first  measure  of  the 
House  was  to  pass  a  resolution  : — *  That  every  attempt 


[1810 

upon  my- 
11  e,  the  re- 
to  theput- 
ny  class  oC 
:h  it  is  im- 
ed  by  any 
nee  of  the 
he  channel 
,  should  be 
amination, 
•pie,  not  to 
solely  that 
iry  to  that 
le  minds  of 
latter  view, 
\y  disposal 
erefore,  in 
deration,  I 
esty's  plea- 
d  in  giving 
idering  His 
Bench,  in 
'Assembly, 


I  to  inflame 
wal  of  pre- 
*arliament, 
vernor  bad 
exercise  of 
Assembly. 


iSlO] 


SIR  JAMES   HENRY   CRAIG. 


19 


*  of  the  executive  government  and  of  the  other  branches 
'  of  the  legislature  against  this  House,  whether  in  dic- 
'  tating  or  censuring  its  proceedings,  or  in  approving 

*  the  conduct  of  o  le  part  of  its  merabers,and  disapprov- 
'  ing  the  conduct  of  the  others,  is  a  violation  of  the  sta- 
'  tute  by  which  this  House  is  constituted  ;  a  breach  of 
'  the  privileges  of  this  House  against  which  it  cannot 
'  forbear  objecting :  and  a  dangerous  attack  upon  the 
'  rights  and  liberties  of  His  Majesty's  subjects  in  this 
'  province.'  This  resolution  was  aimed  at  the  conclu- 
sion of  the  Governor's  speech  at  the  late  dissolution. 

The  discussion  of  the  civil  list  was  taken  up  by  the 
House,  and  it  was  maintained  that  the  province  was 
now  capable  of  relieving  the  mother  country  of  this 
burthen,  which  the  majority  plausibly  urged,  would 
inevitably,  at  no  very  remote  period,  devolve  upon 
the  province  with  accumulated  weight.  To  anticipate 
the  charge  would  therefore  prove  a  saving  to  the  pro- 
vince. The  minority  affected  to  discover  a  deep  de- 
sign in  the  measure,  and  opposed  it  with  some  warintb. 
The  idea  of  levying  additional  revenues  to  the  amount 
of  fifty  thousand  pounds  (as  it  was  reported  with  a  view 
of  marring  the  measure)  startled  the  country  people, 
who,  on  the  other  hand,  were  instructed  that  the  House 
of  Assembly  having  the  provincial  revenues  at  their 
disposition,  would,  in  the  event,  retrench  a  number  of 
pensions,  and  by  that  means  considerably  diminish  the 
public  expence.  A  resolution  was  passed  by  the  House, 
that  the  province  was  able  to  supply  funds  for  the 
payment  of  the  civil  list,  and  loyal  addresses  were 
drawn  up  to  the  King,  Lords,  and  Commons  of  Great- 
BrUain.  in  these,  the  riouse  expressed  a  sense  of  the 
many  favours!,  the  colony  had  experienced  from  the 


vy>nNi«ttt\uof<  01' 


(IMio 


mill  |M.^v|HiHv  »>niu^  |\hu(ut.\  Iv  ul>l.  Ii  U  u.».'iM»h 

J^M,v\  mS^^iMois  \\>v  \y  |mi|M»M'  »»r  Mn>iulHlntt  tlu in 
h>  iIh^  Kit^jn.  l.ohl5  i\\\x\  eomnjous  oKiumH  MiHulii. 

HKMjiniMHl  l>v  fhf^  \NiMlomor  tlu^  Hon-e  or  CoiniHons 
t>rth<(^  l"*MiuM  Ki»^iloMU   lo»l>ml  «\U  M.  p«  oh  (tic  )utH 
t>i\\\t  |>vv>|>l«>  to>\rtinls  *iT»M\ls  o(  moHi^v  whirl)  wvvv  nt»l 
m^vmmtMu^^a  in  tho  ri-own  ;  m\x\  Mihm^U  by  tlu«  mm^ 
}>A\\\AW\i^wu\\y  wstvfxw   t\\\  ^\m\^  lUy  oi|aimUt>  in  (he 
Ijo>^w  Hivusip;  yH,  <h{\(  thov  u«m>^  inrtVotitml  \\\{\m\\ 
tlw^  wmMoivmvot^thf^  l^P'V  llouso  :  (hi\(  ho  \mvo- 
^\\%  t\\ii\i\\  lo  his  KnoxvUnlgv  olotlilwsst^s  U\  th('  Hjmim' 
«Nl'l«mJs.  or  IhmM^  oiH\>»o«o«s,  srpar«(ol,v  by  «  nin- 
gU^  branch  oC  ;i  iolo\u«|    h  ^isl«tuiv :  (ha(  (i»c  (hear 
reasons,  h'f  in>iu^iv%Hi  (ho  «uUl«vssrs  (o  ho  unpiooodnit- 
<^J,  iwi>t^*i\vt  m  R>rm»  a>uI  (omuhHl  ujon  a  icsohitloii 
<^l  tb^  ao«s<^  of  Assomh^v,  whivh,  un(il  saiu  tlonctl  hy 
tJh^  cow\nix>«oc  ot^  \{w  lrt>gis!ativt^  f  ouuoil,  nu'st  he 
UH^^Kt«i\l  ;  cxi'^pi  rts  rt  Kpout«not)us  odii^oii  (he  part 
ol^«he  CottnnoMs  oin'^mula  :   That  ho   i<mv((ofl  hv 
comK!  m>t  (akf^  upon  himsoir  to  (mismh  (hoso  athhos 
s«s  t«   his   Miijost^'s  nuHistcrs,  hupi^ossoU  as  ho  wm 


{'\\\\   V\\\v\\ 
<  l«    \\\V\    llttll 

li«'  lon^  mill 
I  Ix'i'H,  lUh) 

t>M  iM'i'Voi  V 
M'  (H    A<li((!lt|- 

M«'  Ith  IMn 
tlMiitM  (iti  in 
Mrihiiit. 

Wl  It  (|llilT(l 

|>iirlliMiu>nt, 

♦n  (hr  \nn\ 

li  Ut'lr iu»i 

\v  iIh»  roiih* 

iiati'  III  (he 

Kll  \^iHltMlt 
I  Mo  piVl'O- 
>  tilt'  Houfto 
y  l\v  «  rIu- 

I    tol'  tlK*8f? 

pi'tHMMlrnt- 
ir8«>lutloii 

I,  innst  he 
»<i  tlio  pju't 
i;rit(oil  Ik» 
se  luMios 

us    i\V  NV«« 


IflMlf  «lfl   .fAlM^lM    ll^'MMt   I  MAir*.  21 

mHIi  m  "MHi^  hCIiN  »lMfy«  HHil  tMH\  Him*  Hif  MliiUji'h 
wi'l'M  liMt  (liM  H'/|:llliU'Oi|:(HU  orcoiMllMHili'fiHoHi^llh  (1/^ 
MiMiMf  iir('i»ifiHMMH<  Mfilt*M(»y  hJA  IVtiy^M.V'n  HOHHirtM^f. 
Mo  iiihilmlfil  iMiHi'Vrr-,  l»y  iMOmnliif^  Ilii-IM  OihI  o»i  ♦h*' 

|M*('Nt^i|f  0«<'MMHIt,  lie  Hioll^lit  It  ll^M  fi>  HHMH/HIHo  i\u^ 
IvIiiH  lliit  (fNllHMiity  Hi'  (lie  ^mi\  lihfutnWUt^i^  lt;i'M\Huk 
iHhI  f|»'llrl'»»iN  IiiIj'IiIImih  or  hU  kMIiJ^'Mpi  IM  IIm^  jiNivltlM 
i»r  hiMVi'i  Cniiiulii.  Ml'  "iHlil,  li»'  iImmi^'M  )t  tl^h(  rif^O^ 
(lull  lih  IMM)(")(y  l).V  tt>«'l«'  tiWh  i«(  (,  hIihhM  l^f*  rorm^illy 
n|«|»rlMMl  n{'  (lilt  nlillHy.  rtn<l  of  llii*  Mihiuihi-y  pIM^ii 
Mini  |»|'»mmI«i',  ^ililrli  Hm'  |m'0|i|»«  ohiild  |i»mvIMH«  hy  HjII 
lultlii'Sfl,  IiimI  ^Ivi'Ii  In  lii<i  iVInJCNiy,  lo  fuiy  lit*'  i  Ivll  t'i* 
|M'inHlm'OM('HM'  (Movliir^'  ^^Iimi  »mjm»i»<I  «o  itt  t\h.  Tof 
iIm><!I'  ujifloiiN  Im'  Mi^ju«f«l Io  <iMh<«»tiM  llM'if  mWrt'nn  id 
♦lit*  King.  M«'  i»lis«'rv»'<|  (lini  i\U'\f  f.i'iil  tof  Ml^  ni'lfnf** 
ol'lih  Mftji'^ly'iN  ^;ovp|iiiii»»iil,  <lisf  rvtwl  i'toui  \i'tiu  (^i/tty 
iiuuh  or  nrkliowliMl^iiirMif,  himI  Im'  h%v('Uvt\  ihfii  htif 
*'lnMiiin|ji(u  «•«  rImmiUI  linvc  ioiii|Mll(>n  lihn  iit  ♦xf/f-Mi/l 
lilinsr'H  on  iIm*  iniiliJfMl  In  a  wny  {\m\  ifil^lif  (nrty  ¥/\\h i^, 
on  H(i}i«*ftl'ttlir^,  liowfvr'f  liillc  }Mlf'M(l(»((,  h{^  op|t/»«hfg 
niiv  lilH  li  lo  llifi  iiiHHlfcMnlion  of  llif  s<'fH)mf/ifX  Iffk 
0«M*  wlik'li  he  s\M  p(M*8Uad('(l  Hay  had  \nm\  miani^ih 

Thn  n|>poltilmriil  of  n  rolonlMJ  agrnt  in  Vti\^\nt\i\i 
Imd  hpen  conlPinplnt^Hl  by  (he  Infr*  Womt'tA'  Kmm\f\y, 
ninl  tln^  Rubjcul  ^ns  again  tafum  hito  conjiJdl'fafJon  J^ 
lhppi(^fl(yit  Rr»slon,  lait  without  f/Tc^ct,  The  advanfft- 
p,r»  pioposod  by  thift  tticafiiir*',  were  a  ri'K^dar  «rid  dl- 
rott  biler(!our8C'  l»ftw«*cn  the  nouwr*  of  Assernldy  and 
Ihe  Ooniinonfl  of  Orrat  Miitaht,  and  a  chr?ck  rtponthiy 
oxocutivp  of  the  tohniy.  A  bill  to  this  intent  was  frntmA 
but  did  not  arrive  at  maturity.    Tfje  cxpedJenee  of 

of  the  Wouso  of  AfiRembly  during  their  attendance  at 


I 


ADMINISTRATION    Ot  [1810 

the  Sessions  was  also  discussed,  but  tliis  measure,  which 
witii  certain  modifications  might  have  been  judicious, 
was  however,  successfully  opposed. 

In  the  mean  time  a  bill  for  rendering  Judires  ineli- 
gible to  seats  in  the  House  of  Assembly  was  drawn  up, 
and  having  passed  below,  was  transmitted  to  the  Up- 
per House.     Here  the  bill  was  amended  by  the  intro- 
duction of  a  clause  postponing  the  period  at  which  it 
should  take  effect,   until  the  expiration  of  the  present 
Parliament,  the  Judge  whom  we  have  already  had  oc- 
casion to  mention,  having  been  returned  as  a  member 
at  the  late  elections.     The  House,  indignant  at  tiie 
amendment,  and  resolved  at  all  hazards  to  expel  the 
Judge  before  the  amendment  was  disposed  of,   passed 
a  resolution  "  That  P.  A.  De  Bonne,  being  one  of  the 
Judges  of  the  Court  of  King's  Bench,  could  not  sit  nor 
vote  in  that  House,"  and  declaretl  his  seat  vacant. 
This  measure  brought  things  to  a  crisis  and  placed  the 
Governor  in  a  dilemma.     To  acquiesce  with  the  House 
in  this  instance,  would  have  been  a  relinquishment  of 
the  principles  which  the  Governor  had  hitherto  main- 
tained and  published  at  the  opening  of  the  session,  at 
once  inconsistent  with  himself  and  with  the  dignity  of 
his  post.     On  the  other  hand,  a  second  dissolution  of 
the  House,  he  was  sensible,  must  be  attended  with  much 
public  inconvenience  and  engender  disco*^^!  nt.     He 
however  determined  on  the  latter,  and  (on  <Hc  '2ft  ;  of 
February)  went  down  to  the  Council  hCamk^c.  .Aiiuhe 
^sual  solemnities,  and  sent  a  message  to  the  House  of 
Assembly  requiring  their  immediate  attendance  at  the 
bar.    The  Members  with  the  Speaker  in 
«econf    .  s    obedience  ta  the  message,  proceeded  to 
ihe  Council  Chamber,  where  he  informed 
them,  that  he  had  come  down  for  thepur- 


solatlot  '4* 
IParliaE^at 


[1810 

ensure,  which 
en  judicious, 


Judi^cs  ineli- 
as  drawn  up, 
id  to  the  Up- 
by  the  iutrn- 
d  at  wiiich  it 
fthe  present 
eady  had  oc- 
as a  member 
gnant  at  tiie 
to  expel  tlie 
d  of,   passed 
ig  one  of  the 
Id  not  sit  nor 
seat  vacant, 
d  placed  the 
th  the  House 
|uishment  of 
therto  main- 
le  session,  at 
le  dignity  of 
lissolution  of 
?d  with  much 
o' t  -lit.    He 
a^Hc  '2f?<'-;of 
li^CA  .Atii  ihe 
he  House  of 
dance  at  the 
Speaker  in 
iroceeded  to 
le  informed 
for  thepur- 


IBIOJ 


SIR  JAMES    HENRY   CRAIC' 


83 


pose  of  proroguing  tlie  Piu  liamcnt,  and  that  upon  a 
mature  consideration  of  llic  circumstances  which  liad 
taken  place,  lie  had  determined  again  to  refer  to  tlie 
sense  of  the  people  by  an  immediate  dissolution. 

'  Whatever  (said  he)  might  he  my  personal  wishes, 
'  or  however  strong  might  be  my  desire  that  the  public 
'  business   should  sufl'er  no  interruption,   I  feel  that  on 

*  this  on  as^ion,  iM.ihing  is  left  to  niy  discretion.  It  has 
'  been  rendered  impossible  for  me  to  act  otherwise, 

*  tlian  in  the  way  I  am  proposing. 

'  Tiie  House  of  Assembly  have  taken  upon  them- 
'  selves  without  the  participation  of  the  other  branches 
'  of  the  legislature,  to  pass  a  vote,  that  a  Judge  of  His 
'Majesty's  Court  of  King's  Bench  cannot  sit  nor  vote 
'  in  their  House. 

*  However  I  might  set  aside  the  personal  feelings 

*  which  would  not  be  unnatural  in  me,  as  to  the  mode 

*  in  which  this  transaction  has  been  conducted  towards 

*  myself,  there  is  another  and  infinitely  higher  consid- 

*  eration  arises  out  of  it  which  I  must  not  overlook. 


*It  is  impossible  for  me  to  consider  what  has  been 
done  in  any  other  light,  than  as  a  direct  violation  of 
an  act  of  the  Imperial  Parliament:  of  that  Parlia- 
ment which  conferred  on  you  the  constitution  to  which 
you  profess  to  owe  your  present  prosperity  ;  nor  can 
I  do  otherwise  than  consider  the  House  of  Assembly 
as  having  unconstitutionally  disfranchised  a  large 
portion  of  his  Majesty's  subjects,  and  rendered  ineli- 

tr\h\et  bv  an  authnritv  which  thev  do  not  DOSSess.  atJO- 

^ ..^  —  — „• .  i.-  I  - 

therliot  inconsiderable  class  of  the  community. 


m 


M 


ADMiNlSTKATION   OF 


[isia 


1810] 


( 
< 

( 

i 

t 

I 

( 

< 

( 

( 

c 


buch  an  assumption  T  should  at  any  rate  feel  my- 
se!f  bound  by  every  tie  of  duty  to  oppose  :  but  in  con- 
sequence  of  the  expulsion  of  the  Member  for  the  coun- 
ty of  Quebec,  a  vacancy  in  the  representation  of  that 
county  has  been  declared,  and  it  would  be  necessa'-y 
that  a  new  writ  should  issue  for  the  Election  of  another 
xMember :  that  ^vit  would  be,  to  be  signed  by  me 
Gentlemen,  (said   he,  with  warmth  and  emphasis)  I 
cannot,  dare  not,  render  myself  a  partaker  in  the  vio- 
lation of  an  act  of  the  Imperial  Parliament,  and  I 
know  no  other  way  by  which  I  can  avoid  becomin- 
so,  but  that  which  lam  pursuing.'  ^ 


*  When  we  met  I  felt  much  satisfaction  in  the  conscl- 

*  ousness  of  having  taken  such  steps  as  I  thought  most 

*  hkely  to  facilitate,  indeed  I  thought  would  do  away 

*  every  possible  objection  to  a  measure  that  seemed  to 

*  be  wished  for,  and  that  in  itself  met  my  entire  con- 

*  currence :  but  the  only  objection  that  can  I  think  exist 

*  in  the  mind  of  any  reasonable  man  to  the  eligibility  of 
'  the  Judges,  arises  from  the  possible  effect  that  may  be 

*  produced  by  the  necessity  it  puts  them  under,  of  so- 
'  licit!  Jg  the  votes  of  the  electors.     No  well  grounded 

*  objection  can  be  offered  to  their  sitting  in  the  House, 

*  wher;  they  are  elected.     On  the  contrary,  their  talents 

*  and  superior  knowledge  must  render  them  highly  use- 

*  ful,  and  were  it  not  for  other  considerations,  highly  de- 

*  sirable  Members.     I  cannot  but  exceedingly  lament, 

*  that  a  measure  which  I  consider  as  beneficial  to  the 

*  country  should  not  have  taken  efiect.     The  people, 

*  however,  in  the  disappointment  of  their  expectations 

*  will  do  me  the  justice  to  acquit  me  of  being  the  cause 

*  of  if ,  as  they  must  equally  acquit  me  of  being  the  cause 

*  that  so  little  of  the  public  business  has  been  daiie.' 


[ISIO 

ate  feel  my- 
:  but  in  con- 
for  the  coun- 
ation  of  that 
)e  necessary 
>n  of  another 
ned  by  me. 
emphasis)  I 
r  in  the  vio- 
nent,  and  I 
i  becoming" 


the  conscl- 
ought  most 
d  do  away 
seemed  to 
?ntire  con- 
think  exist 
ligibility  of 
hat  may  be 
der,  of  so- 
grounded 
the  House, 
leir  talents 
lighJy  use- 
highly  de- 
ly  lament, 
cial  to  the 
tie  ptople, 
pectations 
the  cause 
the  cause 
dame/ 


bIR  JAMES    HENRY    CRAIG. 


25 


iSlC] 

On  his  entrance  and  departure  from  the  Council 
Chamber,  the  Governor  was  cheered  by  the  populace 
friendly  to  his  measures,  with  loud  and  repeated  accla- 
mations,   wliile   vhe   crest-fallen   Members    and  tlieir 
friends  retired  with  sijent  indignation.   The  Governor's 
military  promptitude,  which  they  considered  in  civil 
affairs  as  verging  upon  despotism,  again  ever-reached 
their  expectations  and  the  Canadian  public  (a  very 
great  majority  of  the  population)  universally  expres- 
sed their  resolution  of  re-electing  the  late  Members, 
with  injunctions  to  persevere  in  the  same  measures. 
So  strongly  were  they  prepossesed  of  the  opinion,  that 
the  Governor,  influenced  by  his  favorite,  only  wished 
to  screen  him  from  the  ignominy  of  an  expulsion. 

Upon  a  cool  survey  of  the  questions  that  led  to  the 
misunderstanding  between  the  Governor  and  the  House 
of  Assembly,  we  may  at  this  late  period  be  indulged  in 
the  assertion  that  the  situation  of  the  Governor  was 
critical  and  trying  in  the  extreme ;  and  it  is  difficult 
to  conceive,  how  he  could  otherwise  have  consistently 
extricated  himself  from  the  embarrassing  dilemma,  in- 
to which  he  had  been  urged. 

After  the  dissolution,  studied  addresses  prepared  by 
agents  of  the  administration,  flowed  in  upon  the  Go- 
vernor from  all  quarters.  The  city  and  couniy  of 
Quebec,  the  city  of  Montreal,  the  tow  it  of  TIirce-Riv- 
ers,  and  the  Borough  of  William  Henry,  and  the  coun- 
ties of.  Warwick  and  Orleans,  were  conspicuous  on 
the  occasion.  The  late  Members  assisted  by  their 
friends,  in  the  mean  time,  exerted  themselves  diligent- 
ly to  secure  their  eU  ctions.  Songs  adapted  io  tlic  vul- 
gar taste,   and  calculated  to  rouse  tlic  public  spirit 


26 


ADMlxVISTRATIOJ;    OP 


[1810 

were  composed  and  circulated,  the  Canadian  teemed 
with  harangues,  addresses  and  observations  on  the  oc- 
currences of  the  day,  and  the  measures  of  the  execu- 
tive ;*  while  on  the  other  hand,  the  discovery  of  ca- 
bals and  plans  of  insurrection  and  rebellion,  were  mys- 
teriously whispered  among  the  minions  of  the  adminis- 
tration. At  one  moment  it  was  rumoured  that  the 
French  minister  in  America  had  supplied  large  sums 
in  gold,  to  promote  the  views  of  the  seditious  in  Cana- 
da ;  at  another,  that  the  whole  of  his  correspondence 
had  been  intercepted  by  some  confidential  agents  of 
our  government.  These  reports,though  utterly  ground- 
less, and  held  in  contempt  by  the  adverse  party  as  the 
fabrications  of  intriguing  sycophants,  were  neverthe- 
less, evidently  intended  to  prepare  the  public  mind  for 
some  eventful  crisis. 

*»  Of  the  many  anonymous  productions  published  at  the  period,  one 
addressed  to  the  public  in  a  flying  sheet  of  the  Canarfkn,  signed /'^t 
Stmere,  excited  much  attention,  and  created  uneasiness  in  the  mind  of 
the  Governor,  who  it  seems  made  up  his  mind,  from  the  moment  of  it« 
appearance  to  seiae  th«  Canadian  Press.—Sce  Appendix  Letter  A. 


'« 


r. 


1310] 


SIK  JAMES    HENRY    GRaIG. 


27 


CHAPTER  II. 

Bench  at  Quebec.  l^rX  (rBtZ/^'r  "^T  l'^'"^"^ 
Prisoners  at  Montreal  released  MeefCrof  th  x'  "i"'""'""- 
Parliament.  Tl.e  Governors  Sn.f T  f  ^  ^"'^  Provincial 
The  Governor's  r.olv     R"^        f  "^""'^^  ^^  *^^  A.sse,„b!v. 

the  Assembly     P^^Lt        'ZT      "^'"'  '""'^"'^''  *'  '  ^'^'^ ''" 


"^y  E  approach  a  period  in  the  annals  of  the  co- 
Iony,upon  which,  from  the  contrariety  of  pub- 

tensed     we  enter  with  diffidence  and  respect      The 

'tl     ™?«'^*::"'*  «»d  two  constables,  proceeded  to 
aLt^Tofr   ^""""S-Offi-  i"  Quebec,    under  the 

Ruards  in  .  .''  ""'  <=°"'»i«ed  to  prison.  The 

guards  m  the  mean  time  were  strengthened,   and  pa! 


I 


28 


'«f' 


i* 


ADMINISTHATION    OP 


1810] 

Holes  were  sent  in  all  directions  through  the  city,   as 
if  an  immediate  and  universal  insurrection  of  the  peo- 
ple had  been  expected.     The  public,   struck  at  these 
appearances  of  unusual  precaution,  remained  in  silence 
and  suspence ;   while  the   discovery  of  plots,   cabals 
and   conspiracies,    was   confidently  asserted  j  and  an 
official  promulgation  of  some  deep  la«l  conspiracy  was 
anxiously  expected.     The  Montreal  Courier  was  de- 
tained beyond  the  usual  time,   with  a  view,    as  it  was 
pretended,  of  preventing  any  report  of  the  measures 
resorted  to,  until  the  expected  discoveries  were  made. 
Three  successive  days  were  occupied  by  the  magis- 
trates and  crown  officers  in  examining  the  old  papers 
^_  seized  at  the  Canadian  Printing-Office.     On  the  1 9th 
of  March,    three  Canad'an  gentlemen  of  distinction* 
were    apprehended  by    a   warrant,   signed    by  three 
Meinbers  of  th^^^.xecutive  Council  and  cast  iqto  prison. 
Tl^ree  pth^A'Sj^ii?.  the  district  of  Montreal  f,  shared  the 
^}^^j^%  ""*^^^  <h^  iiidefiiiitex-harge  of  being  gqiUy 
of  treosoiiMe  practices.  These  commitments  were  made 
under  an  annual  act,  entitled,  "  An  act  for  the  better 
preservation  of  his  Majesty's    Government,"   which, 
from  the  measures  now  related,  fell  into  disrepute,  and 
was  not  renewed  after  the  present  administration.  No 
information  of  any  importance  resulted  from  the  search 
made  among  the  papers  seized  with  the  press ;  but  the 
hasty  imprisonment  of  three  reputable  citizens,   gave 
some  colour  to  the  tales  of  intended  insurrection  that 
were  artfully  circulated,    and  it  was  generally  under- 
stood, that  govermnent  were  in  full  possession  of  all 
■j^jSf-  . ■-    ■  .pi.  ;  •'    .  * 

*  Stessieurs  Medard,  Blanchet  and  Taschereau,  members  of  the  late 
House  of  Assembly.  |.  »»'"4  .**    'I    r-  .;.   ,,  ■    '    i 

\  JMessieurs  Laforce,  (Notary  Public,) t^pineau  of  &mbly,  and  Cor- 
bell^  of  Isle  Jesus  «  ^ 


1810] 


tfiR  HENRY  JAMES  CRAIG. 


fl& 


ers  of  the  late 


the  circumstances  of  the  supposed  conspiracy.  There 
is  however  to  this  day,  no  satisfactory  proof  before  the 
public  of  the  slightest  plan  to  subvert  the  government ; 
and  the  reader,  in  the  absence  of  even  the  lightest 
grounds  to  create  such  a  presumption,  as  well  as  from 
the  enlargement  of  the  prisoners  without  any  trial  is 
left  tojudge,  whether  the  extraordinary  and  mysteri- 
ous proceedings  resorted  to  on  the  occasion,  were  the 
result  of  well  grounded  apprehension  of  public  commo- 
tion, or  merely  to  colour  an  act,  which  otherwise,  can- 
not but  be  considered  as  an  exertion  of  power. 

On  the  21st  of  March,  the  Governor  issued  a  procla- 
mation,  unique  in  its  kind,  and  somewhat  verging  on 
romance.     In  it  he  admonishes  the  Canadian  subjects 
to  beware  of  the  arts  (without  furnishing  any  proof  of 
their  existence)  employed  by  designing  men,  to  mis- 
lead them.    He  expatiates  on  the  benevolence  of  the 
mother  country  towards  the  colony,  and  on  the  pater- 
nal  solicitude  of  his  Sovereign  and  himself,  for  the  pro- 
motion  of  its  welfare.    He  descants  upon  the  talef  re- 
spectmg  himself,  which  he  is  informed  have  been  cir- 
cnlated  with  a  vi.w  to  influence  and  deceive  the  peo- 
ple;  and  thus  vehemently  apostrophizes  the  supposed 
authors  of  them,    *  base  and  daring  fabricators  oK 
hood  :   on  what  part  or  act  of  my  life  do  yL  foS 
such  assertions  ?  Canadians,  ask  of  those  to  whom  you 
formerly  looked  with  attention  and  respect :  asl/the 
heads   of  your  church  who  have   opportunities  of 

edge    These  are  men  fi-om  whom  you  ought  to  seek 

or  information  and  advice  :  the  leaders  of  faction  ; 

the  demagogues  of  a  oartv.   ^c.^.u*.  «.. ........        ' 

'  they  cannot  know  me.*    ^ '         ^'' ""  ""  """  '""^  '' 

•  See  Appendix  B. 


•^  '  *»»«NISTlUTtON  OPIII  r,gjp 

n*  earnest  spirit  which  flo,v»  through  this  nr.  , 
t.on,  shews  the  determination  with  S  he ^7  7." 

of  insurrection  and  rebelKon  in  Canada  went  ah?n»H 
and  was  echoed  round  the  world  atlLTjT: 
does  not  even  afford  the  solitaryCunL TAS 

cJonv    forT'"*""'  "''""^'^  individual  L    he' 
colony,  for  treason   or  sedition     Tk^  «i 

sun,n,one<r  to  support  the  ^JLtVZ 
he^  h"l:f  the  proclamation,  in  obedien  e'To 

Mce  in  thl  .1,  K  7'.""'  P"'"'''-*'' '"  ^o^e  in- 
at^^l  .  ^^  '5'  ''"""S  *»i»e  service,  in  others 
at  the  church  door  after  its  conclusion.    It  ^as  confi 

cl^r*'^-?'^  by  the  public,  that  his  LoXip  the* 
Catholic  Bishop  of  Quebec,  would  on  (Sundavr  he 
day  succeed  „g  the  issue  of  the  proclamltion  gv  a 
discourse  suitable  to  the  occasion   An  eaMrmuwL! 

^^  ;r  !^*^»*'>*''->.  but  they  weXa^i'e^'; 
The  «ealof,  took  umbrage  at  the  seeming  indLence 

sLdl   7u^^-  ^'■"''•"-    '^'"   C^'hedral   was  on  th" 

wasi    aTd'T  T'".  r""^"^  =  *"«  Proclamatit 
was  read,  and  his  Lordship  delivered  to  some  thou 

!:."  di;  Thrr^r""'^"""  -p-ssive  d^ur: : 

sutedto   the  complexion  of  the  times :  he  adverted 
with  becoming  spirit,  to  the  hasty  zeal,  whkh  had   „ 
duced  some  to  condemn  the  supiness'ofLe  Clergy' 

stiucted  m.  their  duty  towards  their  Soverei«n  than  at 
the  period  of  the  revolution  of  the  nei^hbof  "^ 't"  !.' 
-ts,  wnen  the  fidelity  of  tte  Canadian  CathoJic  Clei^gy 


[1810  I   1810] 


SIB  JAMES    U£NRY  CRAIG. 


31 


5h  this  produc- 
ch  he  intended 
were  evidently 
on  his  mind  of 
igers  were  dis- 
le  Province  to 
and  the  sound 
went  abroad, 
period,  which 
ce  of  a  trial, 
vidualin  the 
clergy   were 

on  the  pre- 
abedience  to 
I  in  some  in- 
ice,  in  others 
It  was  confi- 
^ordship  the 
Sunday)  the 
tion,  give  a 
er  multitude 
isappointed. 
indifference 

was  on  the 
I'oclamatioii 
some  thou- 
i  discourse, 
e  adverted 
ich  had  in- 
he  Clergy, 
)us  and  in- 
?n,  tJban  at 
irino"  rnlrt- 

'lie  Clergy 


had  been  irrefragably  established.  He  expounded 
with  clearness  and  precision,  tlie  duties  of  a  subject 
and  a  christian,  in  the  salutary  submission  to  tlie  laws, 
and  to  the  constitued  authorities  of  the  land.  From 
the  state  of  the  public  mind  at  this  juncture,  the  diffi- 
culty of  reconciling  parties,  heated  by  a  series  of  elec- 
tions into  that  political  animosity  incidental  to  free 
governments,  is  easily  conceived.  •.',,./,»,••' 

The  Chief  Justice  at  the  opening  of  the  Criminal 
Sessions  in  March,  in  delivering  his  chaige  to  the  Grand 
Jury,   called    their   attention   to   the  tendency  of  the 
occurrences,  that  had  given  room  to  the  proclamation, 
which  he  read  on  the  occasion.    The  Grand  Jury,  in 
answer  to  his  speech,  drew  up  an  address  to  the  Court, 
in  which  they  animadverted   strongly  upon  certain 
numbers  of  the  Canadian,  and  other  productions  is- 
suing from  that  press,  as  dangerous  to  the  peace  and 
security  of  the  colony.  They  in  like  manner  expressed 
their  displeasure  at  divers  productions  in  the  (Quebec 
Mercury  calculated  to  excite  jealousy  and  distrpst  in 
the  minds  of  his  Majesty*s  Canadian  subjects,  leaving 
it  to  the  wisdom  of  the  court  to  adopt  such  measures 
thereupon,  as  might  be  found  expedient ;  and  concluded 
by  disclaiming  a  wish  to  encroach  upon  the  genuine 
freedom  of  the  press,  but  that  the  abuse  of  this  inestim- 
able  privilege,  which  could  only  tend  to  a  subversion, 
of  order,  was  the  subject  of  their  animadversi^^ii^* 

In  April,  an  ineffectual  effort  was  made  ip  theCpurt 
of  King's  Bench  to  obtain  a  Habeas  Corj^yts  for  one  of 
the  gentlemen  detained  in  prison,  ij^ndj^^  suspicion  of 

"  Th5spresentraeAt'iia^'(pWKapruijVi{l'y^H)'feeW!4^ 

of  cowardly  cdmplianee  with  power.    '   V^U^I)/  .  „j   jo,.|v;   ^ 


aft 


APMJSTJIATION  or 


[I8i0 


treasonable  practices     Tk^  c  •^ 

left  no  alternative  to  the  n  ^"'' ^^  ^*"^  ^PP^^^tion 

pine  in  solitary  co„VnUtr~^  ^^^^  ^^ 

be  pleased  to  brinff  them  m  *^    i  ^^^^rnor  should 

July  following,  oneof  tlei'"^;''''^''^^^^^^'"-  J« 
Jail  at  Q«ebef  becL?es  If?  nT"  '""^"^^  "'  ^^^^ 
^nernenl:  and  wa^a  Jd^^^^^^^^  ^^^  ^-^th  of  con- 
was  also  shortly  aft^r  r!i      "^  i  .    ^"""""^'^  •    another 

out  of  prison.     They  hotZr    It^"''"'^""""'"^ 
largemedt,  gave  securi  v  I  P"*"""*  «»  «heir  cn- 

WH  of  indictment  as  St  boT""  'r'"'^*'- '»  ^"<^'' 
•hem  .  aprecautioStb5,iXtt^^^  against 
ances,  no  bill  having  ever  af  erl,  !,  '° '*^«  appear, 
by  the  crown  officers^  Z7  •.'■'''  ^*'"  presented 
vernor  at  any  time  er^  f"-'  "  ^earthat  the  Go- 
event of  an  acquiUa  fa  t  '*"'"'  '''"''' '"  "■« 
•ration  with  ignomby.                  '""''■'''  ""^  '•<^"'^"- 

witlo^ttfaSfntrpto^r  ^  --'  «'«•'-'' 
finement*who  solicitou"for  a  ,r  l^K  /"""""'"^ '»  ^"n- 
ed.  with  manly  resl,i„n  '"""^  repeatedly  refus- 

«ithoutthe  opp^ortul?^?'  -T'''"""*  «"'argement, 

the  verdict  of^a  jirv  He  "^""*.'^''*'"S  ^'^  '"eputation  by 

^.i  oi  a  jury.He  maintained  with  inflPTJKi^ 
severance,  the  integrity  of  his  conduct  and    , 'l  r^ 
opmions  and  disclaimed  the  imputation  of  tJ  ' 

Mr,  Be?— d. 


[1810 

tliis  application 
ho  were  left  to 
'overnor  should 
iease  them.     Jn 
confined  in  the 
'  length  of  con- 
mcil ;    another 
le  same  cause; 
ist,  also  turned 
us  to  their  en- 
mswer  to  such 
found  against 
>  save  appear- 
een  presented 
•that  the  Go- 
•  risk  the  test 
which  in  the 
the  admiuig, 

ourt  elapsed 
ining  in  con- 
atedljrefus- 
nlargement, 
eputation  by 
flexible  per- 
icJ  political 
treason  or 
f  his  Sove- 
>een  heard 
consistency 

•en  sarcas- 


1810] 


SIR  JAATES    H^NRY    CRAIG. 


33 


tlcally  termed  the  reign  of  terror.  The  peremptory 
measures  of  the  Governor  struck  the  opposition  with 
dismay ;  but  though  he  had  suppressed,  yet  he  had 
not  effectually  subdued  the  spirit  of  the  peopie.  The 
elections  for  the  new  Parliament  took  place  in  April, 
and  the  late  members  again  prevailed,  almost  univer- 
sally throughout  the  province. 

■  '■  '*iin 
The  Judge  upon  whose  account  the  present  difficul- 
ties had  originated,  under  the  prospect  of  being  called 
to  the  Legislative  Council,  did  not  present  himself  as 
a  candidate  in  the  county  he  had  recently  represent- 
ed. H%  however  was  not  afterwards  called  to  the 
Legislative  Council  as  he  expected ;  and  we  are  left  to 
conjecture,  whether  he  declined  his  re-election  througlr 
afallaciouspromise  from  the  administration  to  that  pur- 
pose, in  order  to  induce  him  to  retire,  and  by  that 
means  put  an  end  to  all  strife  with  the  Assembly  on 
his  account,  or  whether  disgusted,  with  the  intrigues 
and  animosity  of  the  times,  he  consulted  his  tranquillity 
by  a  voluntary  retirement. 

A  pause  ensued,  in  which  all  parties  seemed  desirous* 
of  repose  from  the  fruitless  contest  in  which  they  had 
been  engaged.     The  prisoners  confined  at  Montreal; 
where  they  had  suflered  all  the  inconveniencies  and 
discomforts  of  a  damp  and  unhealthy  prison,  and  the 
severity  of  a  surly  janitor,  were  successively  released. 
One  of  them*  is  said  to  have  died  of  illness  contracted 
during  his  imprisonment.     The  Governor  in  the  mean 
time  turned  his  attention  to  the  improvement  of  the  in- 
terior of  the  province,  as  well  as  to  the  cities  of  Que- 
bec and  Montreal  J  to  which  he  appointed  chainneii 

*  Mr.CorbeiU  r    ' 


34 


ADMINISTRATION   OF 


[1810 


I ']  mmi 


Sbip.o„,  near  .he  WcTa.b^^^dt/ir     ••."'' 
tance  of  upwards  of  sixty  miles    bvri.t'  *  ''"" 

-i.b  .he  tltta'rr  *^"  -  "-  -'^  -— 'P». 
The  new  Parliament  met  at  Quebec  on  the  12tU  r.f 

•  an^e^^  r ..      ''  ""^  ■""'  "*^«'-  '•""•'ted  tl,e  loyalty 

'cLiont  '     r  '.^^^^IP-lia^ems  which  he  hado": 

t^    "  •  ""? '"  '^'"'""^  «•■«  administration  of 

dressing  •  «nT.uT-    V  *"*=''  ''*  «■*'  *•>«'>  ad" 

oressing  ,  and  that  in  the  confident  expectation  that 

iTe  .r-  r™'"%'  "^  *"''  best  inteLion    to  ^ro 
rVetfoTr'  "^M^J-'^'^  government,  Ind 
hl„      r       .  '  P^^P'* '  ''^  ^^wx-W  look  for  the 
tbeKelf    /  '"'"J"  "''P"^'""-  '»  •"e  tenor  of 
^  blsLif  "^"°"''  '""  *''^  '''^P'"'^''  "^  •'-  public 

'  pllatv  actVr^i'  r*""  ""'"*'""  ^''^^  ■'«)  *«>  •he  tem- 
porary  act  for  the  better  preservation  of  his  Majesty's 

government    as  by  law  happily  established  it    L 
•  spX;'  al  '°  ""*  '•"•  ""''"^"'"^  regulationst 

pm«e  «•  the  state  of  the  public  aflairsthat-canwTrr 


[1810  I  1810] 


SIR  JAMES    HENRY  CRIIG. 


3& 


ons,  with  annu- 
peiied  from  St. 
e  township  of 
y  line;  a  dis- 
detachment  of 
y  comnmnica- 
ew  townships, 

n  the  12th  of 
smbly  having- 
avernor  after 
led  thlpm  by 
d  the  loyalty 
;h  he  had  oc- 
linistration  of 
e  relied  with 
o  experience 
vas  then  ad- 
Jctation  that 
ions  to  pro- 
•nment,  and 
ook  for  the 
he  tenor  of 
the  public 


to  the  tem- 
is  Majesty's 
^ed  in  this 
Illations  re- 
is  Majesty 

t  can  war- 


rant a  departure  from  those  precaution»,and  that  vigi- 
lance which  have  hitherto  induced  all  the  brancheii 
of  the  Legislature  to  consider  these  acts  as  necessary. 
In  saying  that  they  are  important  to  the  interests  of 
his  Majesty's  government,  you  will  not,  I  am  confi-^ 
dent,  for  a  moment  suppose,  that  I  mean  to  divide 
these  from  the  interests  of  the  public  :  they  are  \a^ 
separable.  Tliepreservation  of  his  Majesty's  govern^ 
ment  is  the  safety  of  the  province  and  its  security,  ij 
tlie  only  safeguard  to  the  public  tranquility.  Und^r 
these  considerations  1  cannot  therefore  hut  recom- 
mend them,  together  with  the  act  making  temporary 
provisions  for  the  regulation  of  trade  between  this  pro* 
vince  and  the  United  States,  to  your  first  and  imme- 
diate consideration.'  ' 


He  intreated  them  to  believe,    *  that  he  should  have     * 

*  great  satisfaction  in  cultivating  that  harmony  and 
'  good  understandingwhich  must  be  so  conducive  to  the 

*  prosperity  and  happiness  of  the  colony,  and  that  he 
'  should  most  readily  and  cheerfully  concur  in  eVery 

*  measure  which  they  might  propose,  tending  to  pro- 
'  mote  those  important  objects.'  He  concluded  by 
observing  '  that  the  rule  of  his  conduct  was  to  dis- 

*  charge  his  duty  to  his  sovereign  by  a  constant  atten- 

*  tion  to  the  welfare  of  his  subjects  which  were  com- 
'  mitted  to  his  charge,  and  that  he  felt  these  objects 

*  to  be  promoted  by  a  strict  adherence  to  the  laws,  and 

*  to  the  principles  of  the  constitutiou,   and  by  main- 

*  taining  in  their  just  balance  the  rights  and  privileges 

*  of  every  branch  of  the  legislature.' 

Immediately  after  delivering  his  speech,  he  sent  a 
taessage  to  the  House  by  a  inember  of  the  executive 


3d 


ACMINI3T1UTI0H  Or 


[1810 


CouncJ,  .„t,matms  tlm.  Mr.  Be.Iar.l,  returned  to  serv,. 
:»  a  member  for  ,hc  county  of  Surrey,  «as  cletaine  1 

wanan  o(  three  me.nbe,,  of  his  Majesty's  Exeeutive 
Couue,  by  virtue  of , the  aet  •  f„r  the  better  preserve' 
t  o„  o  his  Majesty's  government  as  by  la,v  happilv 
estabbshcJ  in  this  provinee,' for  treasonaWe  prSc  s 
It  was  evKlent  from  the  tenor  of  the  Governor'; 
ZT     "T'  ''•'.»"'''*1"*''«  m^^sage  to  the  House,  that 

,v  the"r7       ""  ""''"P"'"" "'' " ""'"  ""^  -»■■"*''  •po- 
ky  he  adn„n,strat,o„  at  all  hazards.     The  sentiments 

o<  the  majority  of  the  House  were  without  doubt,  en 
.re  y  averse  to  the  recent  measures  of  the  administra- 
tion, a  o  renew  the  obnoxious  act  would  be  at  once  an 
unequivocal  admission  on  their  part,  of  its  expedience, 
and  of  the  propriety  of  its  recent  operation.     On  the 
other  hand,    a  refusal  might  embroil  them  more  then 
ever  with  the  executive,   and  result  in  consequence 
fatal  ,o  the  tranquillity  of  the  colony.     The  example 
of  the  two  preceding  parliaments  was  still  fresh  in  their 
memory,    and   the  inflexible  consistency  of  the  Gov- 
ernors character  had  overco.-ne  the  firmness  of  the 
House.     They  observed  in  their  address  to  the  Gover- 
nor, in  answer  to  hi,  speech  'that  they  concurred  with 
h.s  ExceHency,  that  no  change  had  taken  place  in  the 
public  afiairs  abroad,  that  would  warrant  an  altera- 
tion of  the  provisions  of  the  provincial  temperary  act, 
which  provided  for  the  better  preservation  of  his  Ma- 
jesty 8  government;  yet  that  they  thought  it  their  du- 
ty to  inform  his  Excellency,  that  the  fears  and  appre- 
hensions  which  prevaile.l  among  a  great  number  of 
his   Majesty's  loyal    and  faithful   subjects  in  conse- 
quence of  the  execution  of  this  act,  would  demand 
.u«r  scnous  consiaeraUon  before  Ihey  could  determine 


[181g|i610] 


SIR  JAMES    HENIIY    CRAlO. 


3t 


if  Its  continuation  in  the  whole  of  its  present  form  and 
tenor,  would  insure  that  confidence  between  his  Majes- 
Ity's  government  and  his  subjects  in  Canada,  which  is 
Ithe  safeguard  of  the  former,  and  of  tlie  interests  of  the 
Ipublic,  in    themselves   inseparable.'     They    however 
[pledged  themselves  that  the  present  act  and  that  re- 
specting aliens,  would  become  the  object  of  their  most 
serious  consideration  *  fully  convinced  (said  they)  that 
it  is  the  most  serious  wi^ll  of  your  Excellency  to  cul- 
tivate that  harmony  and  good  understanding  which  is 
so  conducive  to  the  prosperity  and  happiness  of  the 
colony,  we    shall   cheerfully  concur   in  any  measure 
tending  to  promote  those  important  objects ;  objects 
i  (they  observed)  more  difiicult  to  be  obtained  in  this 
province  than  in  any  other  of  his  Majesty's  colonies, 
from  the  difference  in  opinions,  customs  and  prejudi" 
ces  of  his  Majesty's  subjects  residing  therein.     We  re- 
flect with  pain  on  the  efforts  w  hich  are  made  to  repre- 
sent in  false  colours,  and  in  a  measure  wide  of  truth, 
the  opinions  aud  sentiments  o£  the  different  classes  of 
his  Majesty's  subjects  in    Canada.     Following  your 
Excellency's  example,  let  every  one  fulfil  his  duty  to 
our  august  Sovereign  by  an  unremitting  attention  to 
the  interests  and  happiness  of  his  subjects  in  this  col- 
ony, and  he  will  feel  that  a  strict  adherence  to  the  laws 
and  principles  of  the  constitution,  and  a  firm  support 
of  the  equal  rights  and  principles  of  every  branch  of 
the  legislature,  are  the  means  of  securing  to  his  Majes- 
ty's subjects,  the  full  and  entire  enjoyment  of  their  li- 
berty ,religiousopinions,and  property,and  which  cannot 
be  more  perfectly  confirmed  to  them  than  by  the  free 
constitution,  which  it  has  pleased  his  most  gracious 
Majesty  aud  his  Parliament  to  grant  to  this  province.' 
Words  can  scarcely  imply  a  mo.  e  direct  disanproval 


iiappr 


38 


jiDMINlSTRATION    OS" 


ii 


1*1 


■•S 


1810]|l810] 


of  the  recent  measures  of  the  Governor,  vvho  felt  the 
force  of  iheir  reflections,  and  replied  in  a  way  which 
left  no  room  in  their  mJnds  to  doubt  of  his  earnest  re- 
solution to  prosecute  the  renewal  of  the  act  in  question. 
He  returned  them  his  acknowledgements  for  the  senti- 
meats  of  loyalty,  and  the  good  intentions  to  promote 
the  mterests  of  his  Majesty's  government,  and  the  wel- 
fare of  taeir  fellow  subjects,  expressed  in  their  address. 
1  shall  at  all  times  (said  he)  receive  with  attention  any 
information  or  advice  that  the  House  of  Assembly  may 
tbmk  proper  to  convey  to  me :  in  the  present  instance 
however,  I  feel  myself  called  on  to  observe,  that  m^ 
information  of  the  state  of  the  province  doe«  not  war- 
*  rant  that  which  you  say  you  think  it  your  du.    .o  ^ive 
me,  of  the  existence  of  fears  and  apprehensions,  with 
relation  to  the  execution  of  the  act  for  the  better  pre- 
servation  of  his  Majesty's  government,  at  least  as  ap^ 
plied  to  the  peopk  in  general.    U  such  fears  and  ap- 
prehensions exist,  are  they  not  confined  to  those  who 
are  aware  of  the  possibility  of  themselves  becoming 
obnoxious   to   the  operation  of  the  act;  the   voice 
of  such  will  be  always  loud ;  and  may  not  their  cla- 

*  mor  have  misled  you  to  suppose  them  more  numerous 
than  I  suppose  they  really  are  ?  But  with  regard  to  the 

^^good  peopleof  the  Province,  I  am  so  far  from  think- 

*  mg  that  they  feel  any  apprehensions  on  the  subject 
'  that  I  date    the  subsiding  of  the  ferment  that  then 

*  existed,  and  the  restoration  of  the  calm  that  has  since 
« prevailed  among  them,  precisely  from  the  moment 
'  at  which  the  execution  of  that  act  took  place.  Sim- 
*ilar  means  to  those  formerly  employed  might  again 

*  revive  the  one,  and  disturb  the  other,  anrl  nnno 
'perhaps  would  be  more  effectual  for  the  purpose 
Mhen  infusing  auiongst  them,  the  fears  and   appre^ 


1810]|l810] 


SIB  JAMES   IIENIIY  CRATG. 


n 


hensions  to  which  you  have  alluded.  Simple  and 
uninstructed  as  they  are  however,  I  shall  trust 
to  their  good  sense  for  its  being  found  difficult  to 
shake  their  confidence  in  His  Majesty's  Govern- 
ment, because  they  find  it  exercising  for  their  protec- 
tion, the  means  with  which  it  is  intrusted  by  Law,  or 
because  they  see  that  Government  armed  with  the 
power,  and  ready  to  step  forward  should  it  be  neces- 
sary to  crush  the  arts  of  faction,  or  to  meet  the  ma- 
chination of  treason.  Viewing  your  Address  in  the 
light  of  an  answer  to  my  speech,  I  must  remark  that 
1  have  been  misunderstood  in  it. 


*  The  harmony  and  good  understanding  which  I  ex- 
pressed myself  desirous  of  cultivating,  was  that  har- 
mony and  good  understanding  between  me  and  the 
other  branches  of  the  Legislature  which  must  be  so  con- 
ducive to  the  prosperity  and  happiness  of  the  Colony. 
Whereas  I  perceive  you  have  applied  the  expression 
more  generally  to  the  existence  of  these  principles  in  the 

community  at  large.    This  would  be  no  otherwise  of 
consequence  than  as  it  has  furnished  you  with  the  op- 
portunity nof  bringing  forward  a  sentiment  in  which  I 
desire  most  cordially  and  truly  to  express  my  entire 
concurrence.    I  shall  join  with  you  in  feeling  pain  in 
every  instance  in  which  the  passions  of  any  one  part 
of  His  Majesty's   subjects  shall  lead  them  to  repre- 
sent in  false  colours,  and  in  a  manner  wide  of  truth, 
the  opinions  and  sentiments  of  any  part  of  their  fel- 
low subjects.    Without  any  reference  to  example,  let 
every  one  as  you  say  do  his  duty  to  the  King  and  to 
the  Public,  and  as  you  express  yourselves  aware  of 
the  gieater  difficulty  that  exists  in  this  Province  in 
the  attainment  of  the  important  object  in  question,  so 


4 

( 

( 

{ 

( 

( 

( 

< 

( 

( 

( 

( 

( 

( 

( 

( 

( 

( 

( 

i 


40 


■^  ADMINISTRATIOllS.Or 


[1810 


*  I  confidently  trust  I  shall  find  you  on  all  occasions 

*  exerting  with   advantage  the  superior  opportunity 

*  vviiioh  is  afforded  you  by  your  situation  as  repi^esen- 

*  tatives  of  the  people  for  promoting  and  cultivating 

*  those  true  principles  of  affection  and  attachment  that 
,1  niay  unite  us  as  a  free  and  happy  people.' 

This  sarcastic  reply  of  the  Governor  nettled  the 
House  but  they  were  too  well  acquainted  with  his  firm- 
ness to  proceed  to  extremes  on  so  nice  a  point.     The 
acts  recommended  by  the  Governor  were  first  intro- 
duced and  passed  in  the  Legislative  Council,  from 
whence   they  were  sent  down  to  the  Lower  House 
where  they  passed   with  unusual  speed,  although  the 
detention  of  one  of  their  members  in  Prison  was  the 
cause  of  much  murmur  and  disgust.     This  obnoxious 
act  was  therefore  reluctantly  continued  with  a  salvo 
(an  amendment  introduced  into  the  Bill  by  the  Lower 
House)  of  the  Rights  and  Privileges  of  either  House, 
and  of  the  Members  of  the  Provincial  Legislature;  it 
being  thereby  provided  that   no  Member  of  either 
House  should  be  imprisoned  or  detained  during  the 
sitting   of  Parliament,  until  the    matter  of  which  he 
stood  suspected  were  first  communicated  to  the  House 
of  which  he  might  be  a  member,  and  the  consent  of 
tha*  House  obtained  for  his  commitment  or  detention. 
It  was  obvious  that   the  Assembly  in  this  instance 
yielded  to  the  menacing  tone  of  the  Administration 
who  must  have  been  conscious  from  the  recent  exercise 
of  this  act  for  the  "  better  preservation  of  His  Majes- 
ty's Government"   and  the  reluctance   with  which  it 
was  mntiniif>/1  fVtt>  an^^Ki^n  <.^^»~  xu„a  ij..  ^.x.i       .•      .• 

could  not  be  a  remote  occurrence.    The  Government 
notwithstanding  this  clause  in  the  act,  still  persisted  in 


r„ii 


[1810  I    1811] 


^IR  Hl^RX  M^SS.  (nuiG* 


41 


1  occasions 
(pportunity 
s  repi*esen- 
cultivating 
bment  that 


lettled  the 
th  his  firm- 
oint.    The 
first  intro- 
incil,  from 
er  House, 
hough  the 
on  was  the 
obnoxious 
ith  a  salvo 
the  Lower 
ler  House, 
slature;  it 
of  either 
luring  the 
f  which  he 
the  House 
consent  of 
detention. 
s  instance 
inistration 
lit  exercise 
lis  Majes- 
i  which  it 
extinction 
)vernment 
ersisted  in 


detaining  the  members  in  confinement  difring  the  Ses- 
sion without  affording  him  the  means  of  justifying  him- 
self by  a  trial.  '•  /  4>;»l 

A  bill  to  disqualify  Judges  from  being  elected  and 
taking  a  seat  in  the  House  of  Assembly  was  introdiuied, 
and  having  met  the  concurrence  of  both  Houses  re- 
ceived the  Royal  Sanction.  This  subject  of  strife  be- 
ing disposed  of,  business  was  carried  on  with  diligence 
and  dispatch,  and  some  very  useful  laws  were  enacted 
in  the  course  of  the  Session.  The  Governor  was  in 
the  mean  time  notified  of  his  removal  from  the  colonial 
Govel-nment  in  pursuance  (it  was  said)  of  his  own  re- 
quest. On  the  21  st  March,  181 1 ,  he  progued  the  Parlia- 
ment, and  as  his  speech  on  the  occasion,  is  the  best 
testimony  to  which  we  can  resort  for  his  own  opinion 
on  the  character  of  the  times,  and  of  his  administra- 
tion, we  insert  a  part  of  it  in  his  own  words. 


'  Among  the  acts  to  which  I  have  declared  his  Ma- 
jesty Assent,  there  is  one  which  I  have  seen  with  pe- 
culiar satisfaction.  I  mean  the  act  for  disqualifying 
the  judges  from  holding  a  seat  in  the  House  of  As- 
sembly. It  is  not  only  that  I  think  the  measure  right 
in  itself,  but  that  I  consider  the  passing  an  act  for 
the  purpose,  as  a  complete  renunciation  of  the  erro- 
neous principle,  the  acting  upon  which,  put  me  under 
the  necessity  of  dissolving  the  last  Parliament. 


*  Gentlemen,  you  are  now  about  to  return  to  your 
homes,  and  to  mix  again  in  the  common  mass  of  your 

arise  from  your  efforts  to  inculcate 

id  submission 


-lil .     l_j. 


those  true  principles  of  regularity 


'^- 


4fi 


ADMINISTRATION   OF 


[18U 


lim 


the  laws,  that  can  alone  give  stability  to  that  degree 
of  happiness,  which  is  attainable  in  the  present  state 
of  society.     Your  province  js  in  an  unexampled  pro- 
*  gress  of  prosperity  :  riches  are  pouring  in  upon  the 
people,  but  their  attendant  evils,  luxury  and  dissipa- 
tion, will  inevitably  accompany  them  :   the^  danger 
of  these  is  too  well  known  to  require  that  I  should 
detain  you  by  enlarging  upon  it :  it  will  demand  all 
the  efforts  of  religion,  and  of  the  magistracy,  with  the 
scarcely  less  powerful  influence  of  example  and  of  ad- 
vice in  the  well  disposed  and  better  informed,  to  coun- 
teract their  effects,  to  preserve  the  public  morals  from 
sudden  relaxation,   and,   finally,  to  bar  the  entry  to 
crime  and  depravity. 

«  A  large  tract  of  country,  hitherto  little  known,  has 
been  opened  to  you ;  its  inhabitants  areUndustrious  and 
intelligent,  and  they  cultivate  their  lands  with  a  pro- 
ductive energy,  well  calculated  to  encrease  the  resour- 
ces of  the  colony.  Let  them  not  on  these  grounds  be 
objects  of  envy,  or  of  jealousy  ;  rather  let  them  be  ex- 
amples, to  be  carefully  watched  and  imitated,  'till,  in 
the  whole  province,  no  other  difference  of  fertility 
shall  appear,  but  what  may  arise  from  variety  of  soil, 
or  difference  of  climate. 

'  And  now  gentlemen,  I  have  only  further  to  recom- 
mend,  that  as,  in  an  early  part  of  the  session,  you  your- 
selves took  occasion  to  observe  on  the  difficulty  of  the 
task,  you  will  proportionally  exert  your  best  endeavours 
to  do  away  all  mistrust  and  animosity  from  among 
yourselves  :— while  these  are  suffered  to  reipain,  all  ex- 
ertion for  the  public  crood  miiRt  h^  naUSo/i  Tvr«  Uo« 
can  exist  to  a  cordial  union— religious  differences  pre- 
Bvnt  none— intolerance  is  not  the  disposition  of  the 


[18U    I    I81I1 


SIR  JAMES   HENRY  CRAIG. 


4B 


present  times — and,  living  under  one  government,  en- 
joying equally  its  protection  and  its  fostering  care,  in 
the  mutual  intercourse  of  kindness  and  benevolence,  all 
others  will  be  found  to  be  ideal.    I  am  earnest  in  this 
advice,  gentlemen.     It  is  proba*>ly  the  last  legacy  of  a 
very  sincere  well-wisher,  wlo,  if  he  lives  to  reach  the 
presence  of  his  Sovereign,  would  indeed  present  him- 
self with  the  proud  certainty  of  obtaining  his  appro- 
bation, if  he  could  conclude  Iris  report  of  his  adminis- 
tration, with    saying — I  found.  Sire,  the  portion  of 
your  subjects  that  you  committed  to  my  charge,  divided 
among  themselves,  viewing  each  other  with  mistrust 
and  jealousy,  and  animated,  as  they  supposed,  by  se* 
parate  interests.     I  left  them.  Sire,  cordially  united  in 
the  bonds  of  reciprocal   esteem  and  confidence,  and 
rivalling  each  other  only  in  affectionate  attachment  to 
vour  majesty's  government,  and  in  generous  exertions 
for  the  public  goodJ 

In  this,  as  well  as  in  his  former  speeches  to  the  le- 
gislature, we  find  the  sentiments  of  a  man  of  frankness 
and  of  character.  Although  he  is  thought  by  many  to 
have  been  under  the  influence  of  party,  he  was  cer- 
tainly unconscious  of  it,  as  nothing  appears  to  have 
been  more  despicable  in  his  mind  than  party  intrigue. 

Shortly  after  the  prorogation  of  Parliament  the  pri- 
son door  was  left  open  to  the  member  in  confinement, 
without  any  explanation  of  the  cause  of  his  imprison- 
ment, or  of  the  motives  of  his  enlargement.  By  some, 
his  release  was  attributed  to  orders  from  his  Majesty's 
ministers  to  that  effect ;  by  others  to  a  conviction  in 
the  mind  of  the  Governor  of  his  innocence,  or  at  least, 
of  his  having  made  ample  atonement  for  his  errors  (if 
any)  by  the  length  and  duresse  of  his  confinement. 


u 


ADMINISTRATION  OP 


[1811 


On  the  19th  of  June  1811,  he  embarked  on  board 
His  Majesty's  Ship  Amelia,  for  England  ;  leaving  Mr. 
Dunn  in  charge  of  the  Government  of  the  colony,  and 
Lieutenant-General  Drummond  in  command  of  the 
forces  in  the  Canadas,  consisting  of  445  artillery,  3,783 
regular  troops,  and  1,226  Fencibles,  in  all  5,454  men. 
He  seemed  disgusted  with  the  cares  of  a  government, 
in  which  he  had  experienced  but  crosses  and  mortifi- 
cation. He  is  said  to  have  expressed  at  the  moment  of 
his  departure,  an  ambiguous  reflection  on  the  decep- 
tion, and  ingratitude  of  mankind :  whether  his  obser- 
vation were  intended  to  be  general,  or  aimed  at  some 
of  those  immediately  concerned  with  him  in  the  con- 
duct of  public  affairs,  we  are  left  to  imagine.  Hi& 
health  had  long  been  wasting  away  with  a  dropsy  and 
other  infirmities  contracted  in  the  service  of  his  coun- 
try, and  he  doubted  whether  he  should  live  to  see  the 
end  of  his  voyage,  which  he  however  survived  some 
months..  The  feelings  of  the  public  were,  upon  his 
departure  for  England,  variously  expressed,  according 
to  the  opinions  and  prejudices  of  parties,  which,  under 
his  administration  had  been  inflamed  to  a  greater  pitch 
than  at  any  former  period  since  the  conquest.  His  ad- 
ministration was  certainly  unpopular  among  the  great 
mass  of  the  people ;  and  although  tenacious  of  and 
consistent  in  his  measures,  he  was  evidently  influenced 
by  the  councils  originating  in  timid  and  vissionary  ap- 
prehensions of  danger.  The  severity  of  his  measures 
gave  just  grounds  to  expect  some  conducive  evidence 
of  the  guilt  of  those  who  had  concurred  his  displea- 
sure, but  we  have  not  even  seen  an  attempt  to  palli- 
ate that  exeiX'isc  oi  power,  wiiicii  in  tne  totai  ausence 
of  any  vindication  of  its  expedience,  we  must  attribute 
to  the  fervour  of  party  heat.    Rigorous  as  they  were 


1811] 


SIR  JAMES    HENRY  CRAIG. 


45 


they  might  have   been  rendered    still  more   so,  had 
the  Governor  been  less  sensible  of  the  general  good^ 
disposition  of  the  colony,  or  listened  more  to  the  sug- 
gestions of  those  who  had  involved  him  imperceptibly 
in  their  quarrel  with  the  people.     The  Proclamation 
issued  at  the  period  alluded  to,  shews  the  conviction 
under  which  we  may  fairly  believe  him  to  have  acted  ; 
but  when  we  reflect  upon  the  animosity  of  the  times, 
we  have  cause  to  suspect,  that  the  sources  from  whence 
his  information  was  derived,  are  liable  to  some  objec- 
tions, which  however,  it  must  have  been  difficult,  nay, 
ahiiost  impossible  for  him  to  have  discriminated  until  it 
was  too  late.     On  the  eve  of  his  departure,  an  action 
of  damages  was  instituted  on  the  part  of  several  of  the 
proprietors  of  the  Canadian  press,  against  the  magis- 
trate who  had  seized  it.     This  action  proved  abortive. 
The  fact  is  mentioned,  as  it  must  have  caused  the  Go- 
vernor to  reflect,  that  although  he  had  put  down  with 
force,  the  animosities  which  agitated  his  administration, 
he  had  struck  a  blow,  probably  more  important  in  its 
results,  than  the  most  hostile  adversaries  of  his  admin- 
istration could  have  wished. 


Sir  James  Henry  Craig  had  been  from  his  youth  in 
the  service  of  his  country,  and  owed  to  merit  alone, 
his  rank  and  consideration  in  the  army.  He  had  upon 
several  occasions  distinguished  himself  as  an  able  ge- 
neral. He  was  corpulent  in  person,  and  rather  below 
the  middle  stature  :  his  features  were  strong  and  regu- 
lar, his  aspect  severe  and  imposing :  his  deportment 
was  manly  and  dignified :  in  society  he  was  polite, 


in  his  opinions,  and  therefore  prompt  and  decisive  In, 
his  measures.  To  a  clear  and  comprehensive  judgment, 
he  united  the  best  qualities  of  the  heart ;  and  though 


f 


46 


A»MINISTRATION    OF 


[1811 


hasty  in  temper,  he  was  easily  reconciled  to  those  who 
miglit  have  involuntarily  incurred  his  displeasure.  In 
line,  he  seems  to  have  possessed  all  the  sterling  and  un- 
disguised virtues  that  distinguish  the  soldier,  and  some 
of  the  qualities  that  constitute  an  able  statesman.  Men 
differ  widely  in  opinion  with  respect  to  his  administra- 
tion, yet  few  will  deny  him  the  merit  of  disinterested- 
Be^s  and  integrity  in  the  discharge  of  his  public  duties  j 
and  although  in  the  performance  of  the  important  and 
complicated  functions  of  his  post,  he  may  have  erred, 
we  cannot  but  do  his  memory  the  justice  to  believe, 
that  he  was  guided  by  sincerity;  and  that  the  objects 
of  his  administration,  however  fallaciops  the  means  he 
pursued  for  their  attainment,  were  the  concord,  the 
prosperity  and  the  happiness  of  the  people  intrusted 
to  his  care. 


1811] 


SUl.  GEORGE  PREVOST. 


4p 


CHAPTER  Iir. 

Anivnl  of  Sir  George  Prevost.  Major  General  Brock  assumes  the  go- 
vernment of  Upper-Canada.  The  Governor  makes  the  tour  of  the  Up- 
per-District. Meeting  of  the  Provincial  Parliament.  Proceedings  of 
the  Assembly.  Prorogation.  Henry's  Mission.  Militia  Embodied 
Declaration  of  War  by  America;  GovemorAssembles  the  Legislature. 
Army  Bill  Act.  Riot  at  Lachine.  Capture  of  Michillimackinac.  In- 
vasion of  Upper-Canada.  Retreat  of  the  Enemy.  Battle  of  Magua- 
go.  Capture  of  Detroit.  Armistice.  Its  rejection  by  the  Americau 
Government. 


AFTER  an  interregnum  of  nearly  three  montlis,  Sir 
George  Prevost  arrived  at  Quebec,  and  assumed 
the  Government  of  Lower-Canada,  having  succeeded 
Sir  James  H.  Craig  in  the  chief  command  of  the  Bri- 
tish North  American  Provinces.  The  known  mildness 
of  his  character,  and  the  popularity  ef  his  administra- 
tion in  Nova-Scotia,  from  which  he  had  been  just  pro- 
moted, afforded  a  hope  that  the  present  administration 
of  the  government  in  Lower-Canada  would  prove 
more  auspicious  to  the  internal  union  of  the  people 
than  the  preceding.  The  trying  juncture  into  which 
the  policy  of  America  hurried  these  provinces,  impres- 
sed the  peoJ3le  with  serious  apprehensions,  and  all  par- 
ties seemed  to  concur  in  a  desire  for  unanimity,  as  the 
chief  barrier  of  the  public  security. 

To  succeed  in  abolishing  the  strife  which  had  so 
Jfapidly  gained  ground  durii:^  the  late  administration 
could  scarcely  have  been  deemed  attainable ;  but  an 
indifference  and  disregard  for  party  Janimosity,  and 


4Q 


ADMINISTRATION    OF 


[1811 

a  fair,  Inipartial  distribution  of  the  royal  confidence, 
might  in  a  moment  of  common  danger,  reconcile  and 
unite  parties  in  the  common  defence.     Such  seems  to 
have  been  the  policy  studied  by  the  present  adminis- 
tration.   A  war  with    Great  Britain  had   been  long 
contemplated  by  the  rulers  in  America,  and  a  seasona- 
ble moment  only  was  sought  for,  to  grasp  at  these  pro- 
vinces  which  they  had   fallaciously  been  induced   to 
believe  were  ripe  for  revolt,  and  would  therefore  fall  a 
willing  conquest  to  America.    The  peninsular  war  had 
engrossed  the  attention  and  iSKsources  of  the  mother 
country,  and  the  Canadas   were  necessarily  the  less 
amply  provided  with  means  to  encounter  the  struggle 
in  which  they  were  likely  soon  to  be  engaged.     The 
coffers  were  exhausted,  nor  were  hopes  entertained  of 
their  being  speedily  replenished  from  home:  the  regu- 
lar forces  were  too  thin  to  preserve  an  extensive  fron- 
tier of  some  hundred  miles  against  the  pressure  of  aa 
enemy,  which,  if  united,  must  become  irresistable,  and 
the  Canadians  though  naturally  brave  and  hardy,  and 
attached  to  their  constitution,  might  from  recent  oc- 
currences be  fairly  presumed  to  have  been  so  far  dis- 
gusted, as  to  leavQ  a  doubt  of  their  hearty  co-opera- 
tion and  zeal  in  the  cause.     Such  was  the  gloomy  pros- 
pect of  affairs  at  the  outset  of  the  present  administra- 
tion, and  the  Governor  must  ha^  foreseen  that  his  re- 
sources in  the  event  of  a  rupture  with  America,  lay 
more  in  the  loyalty  and  patriotism  of  the  Canadian 
population,  than  in  the  hope  of  early  reinforcements 
from  home.    To  develope  the  resources  and  combine 
the  Jarring  energies  of  the  country,  required  the  efforts 

flf  sonrif thina*  m/^r^  fUnn  rx^A:^^,^.. ?_._ 

— . _    ,„^iv>   iiiuzi  viviiriaiV  g'vUlUiijr 


^oon  after  the  Governor's  arrival,  General  Brock 


1812] 


SIR  GEORGE  PREVOST. 


4» 


was  appointed  President  and  Administrator  of  the  Go- 
vernment in  Upper-Canada,  instead  of  Lieutenant- 
Governor  Gore,  had  wlio  retired  from  the  Govern- 
ment of  that  Province,  by  permission.     To  obtain  a 
local  knowledge  of  the  frontiers  of  the  low  er  province 
which  were  likely  soon  to  be  the  theatre  of  war,  Sir 
George  on  the  26th  September  set  out  with  his  suit 
and  visited  the  District  of  Montreal,  and  the  forts  of 
St.  John's,  Chambly,  William  Henry  and  the  military 
positions  in  their  neighbourhood.     From  the  period  of 
his  arrival  until  the  opening  of  Parliament,  we  meet 
with  no  extraordinary  occurrence* 

The  Parliament  met  on  the  21st  February,  1812. 
The,  Governor  in  his  speech  informed  the  legislature^ 
that  having  been  appointed  by  the  Prince  Regent  to 
the  Chief  Command  of  the  British  American  Provinces, 
he  had  hastened  in  obedience  to  his  orders  to  assume 
the  Administration  of  Lower-Canada,  but  that  his 
Commission  not  having  arrived,  he  continued  to  admi- 
nister the  Government  under  a  provincial  authority  to 
that  effect.  He  congratulated  them  on  the  brilliant 
achievements  which  had  attended  the  British  arms  in 
the  deliverance  of  Portugal,  and  for  the  rescue  of  Spain 
from  the  tyranny  of  the  Ruler  of  France.     '  Notwith- 

*  standing  (said  he)  the  astonishing  changes  that  marli 

*  the  age  in  which  we  live,  the  inhabitants  of  this  pd¥- 
'  tion  of  the  Empire  have  witnessed,  but  as  remote 
'spectators  the  awful  scenes  which  desolate  Europe; 
'  and  while  Britain  '  built  by  nature  for  herself  against 
'  infection  and  the  hand  of  war,'  has  had  htr  political 
'  existence  involved  in  the  fate  of  surrounding  nations, 
'  you  have  hitherto,  undisturbed  in  the  habitations  of 

*  your  fathers^  viewed  without  alarm,  the  distant  storm 
'which  now  se«ms  bending  its  course  towards  this  peace-^ 


«0 


ADMfNISTRATION    OP 


[1S12 

•  ful  &i  happy  region.'     He  recommended  an  increased 
and  unremitted  care  and  vigilance  in  securing  the  col- 
ony from  either  open  invasion  or  insidious  aggression, 
and  he  hoped  the  Parhanient  would  testify  its  loyalty 
by  an  early  attention  to  those  acts,  which  experience 
had  proved  essential  for  the  preservation  of  his  Majes- 
ty's government,  as  also  by  its  readiness  in  supplying 
goverumtnt  with  such  aid  as  should  be  suitable  to  the 
exigence  of  the  times,  by  enabling  the  loyal  Canadian 
subjects  to  assist  in  repelling  any  sudden  attack  made 
by  a  tun»ultuary  force,  and  effectually  to  participate  in 
the  defence  of  their  country,  against  a  regular  invasion 
at  any  future  period.     The  Assembly  in  answer,  assur- 
ed the  Governor  that  they  would  give  their  attention 
to  those  acts,   which  he  regarded  as  esiential  to  His 
Majesty's  government,  notwithstanding  the  repugnance 
they  might  feel  from  an  improper  use  of  one  ofthem^* 
and  the  bad  effects  which  might  have  resulted  there- 
from to  his  Majesty's  government,  had  it  not  been  for 
the  unshaken  fidehty  of  his  Majesty's  loyal  Canadian 
subjects,  and  their  conviction  of  the  goodness  of  his  go- 
vernment, and  the  transient  inconveniencies  which  from 
the  common  fate  of  human  things  were  inevitable; 
assuring  him  however,  that  the  confidence  they  placed 
in  his  Excellency,  considerably  diminished  their  fears 
of  the  use,  which  might  thereafter  be  made  of  this  act. 
In  reply  to  this,  the  Governor  briefly  expressed  his  re- 
gret, that  they  should  have  thought  it  expedient  to  re- 
vert to  any  proceedings  which  had  taken  place  under 
any  one  of  these  acts,  and  earnestly  recommended  to 
them  as  the  most  effectual  means  of  ensuring  tranquil- 
lity to  the  Province,  and  of  evincing  their  zeal  for  the 

*  Meaning  the  "  /      f©r  Uie  better  prcservatipn  of  His  Majesty  & 
GovernraeatJ' 


[1S12   I    IS  12] 


SIR  GEOROC  rREVOST. 


€1 


public  good,  to  direct  their  attention  solely  to  the  pre- 
sent situation  of  aflairs.  Although  the  meaning  of  the 
Governor's  reply  could  not  be  misunderstood  by  the 
Assembly,  they  were  too  deeply  concerned  in  the  events 
of  the  last  administration  to  leave  thein  at  rest,  and  at 
an  advanced  period  of  the  Session,  they  came  to  the 
resolution,  *  that  it  was  a  justice  due  to  the  good  cha- 
'  racter  of  his  Majesty's  Canadian  subjects,  that  some 
'  measure  should  be  adopted  by  the  House,  to  acquaint 
'his  Majesty  of  the  events  that  took  place  in  the  Pro- 
'vince'under  the  administration  of  Sir  James  Henry 
'Craig,  its  late  Governor,  and  the  causes  which  gave 
'  rise  to  the  same,  in  order  that  his  Majesty,  in  his  patci'- 
I  nal  goodness,  might  take  such  steps  as  would  prevent 

*  a  recurrence  of  a  similar  administration,  which  tend- 
'  ed  to  misrepresent  the  good  and  faithful  people  of  the 

*  Province,  and  to  deprive  them  of  the  confidence  and 

*  affection  of  his  Majesty,  and  from  feeling  the  good  ef- 
'fects  of  his  government  in  the  ample  manner  that  the 

*  law  provided.'  This  resolution  was  not  carried  into 
effect  owing  to  the  intervention  of  more  urgent  con- 
cerns, in  the  mean  time  a  bill,  *  for  the  better  preser- 
vation of  his  Majesty's  government'  was  drawn  up,  and 
sent  down  from  the  Legislative  Council  to  the  Lower 
House.  Here  several  amendments  were  proposed,  the 
principal  etf  wfakb  was,  to  transfer  the  power  formerly 
vested  in  the  Executive  Council,  of  imprisoning  persons 
suspected  of  treasonable  practices,  to  the  Governor,  or 
person   administering  the  government,  alone.    The 

Xiegislative  Council  disapproving  of  the  amendments, 
a  conference  ensued;  but  both  branches  persevering  in 
their  opinions,  the  bill  miscarried  to  the  satisfaction  of 
lae  i^ower  House,  who  were  glad  of  a  pretext  to  allow 
this  odious  law  to  expire.  The  consideration  of  appoint- 


as, 


ADMINISTRATION   OF 


[1813 


ing  an  agent  in  England  was  resumed  by  the  House  in 
the  present  session,  and  the  expedience  of  providing.a 
fund  for  the  payment  of  the  Members  of  the  House  of 
Assembly  was  also  discussed,  and  a  Bill  was  introduced 
to  that  effect,  which  however  failed.     The  Militia  Bill 
passed  after  much  debate  in  tlie  Lower  House.    The 
Governor  was  authorised  by  it  to  embody  two  thou- 
sand Bachelors  between  the  age  of  eighteen  and  twen- 
ty-five years  for  three  months  in  the  year  ;  and  in  case 
of  invasion  or  imminent  danger  thereof,  to  retain  them 
for  one  year,  relieving  one  balfofthe  number  eiflbodi- 
ed,  by  fresh  drafts  at  the  expiration  of  that  period.     In 
the  event  of  war,  invasion,  insurrection,  or  imminent 
danger  tliereof,  he   was  empowered   to   embody  the 
whole  militia  of  the  province,    should  it  become  ne- 
cessary.   No  substitutes  were  allowed,  nor  were  com- 
missioned officers  permitted  to  take  any  militiamen  as 
servants,  under  a  penalty  of  ten   pounds  for  every 
offence  of  that  nature.     These  provisions  from  their 
harshness  and  inconsistency  were  however  winked  at 
in  actual  service.    It  was  made  penal  to  inlist  any  mili- 
tiamen into  the  regular  forces,  and  such  enlistments 
were  declared  null.    Twelve   thousand  pounds  were 
granted  by  the  Legislature,  one  moiety  thereof  for 
drilling  and  training  the  local  militia,  the  other  moiety 
for  other  purposes  of  the  militia  act.  Twenty  thousand 
pounds  were  granted,  to  be  employed  for  such  servi- 
ces as  the  safety  of  the  province,  and  the  exigence  of 
the  times  might  require,  and  the  further  Sum  of  thirty 
thousand  pounds  currency,  to  be  at  the  Governor's 
disposal  in  case  of  war  between  Great  Britainj  and 
^America^    These  libera!  su^Dlies  enabled  the  Govern- 
ment to  meet  the  approaching  contest  with  confidence 
in  the  patriotism  and  support  of  the  provincial  Legis- 


1812J 


SIR  GEORGE  PREVOST. 


5S 


lature,  and  of  the  whole  mass  of  the  Canadian  popula- 
tion. On  the  nineteenth  of  May  the  Governor  proro- 
gued the  House  of  Assembly. 

In  his  Speech  he  thanked  the  House  for  the  labour 
they  had  bestowed  upon  the  improvement  of  the  mili- 
tia system,  and  for  the  increased  means  they  had 
thereby  afforded  him  for  the  defence  of  the  Province: 
He  also  expressed  hi.;  best  thanks  for  the  proofs  he 
had  received  of  their  confidence  in  his  Administration, 
by  the  very  liberal  provision  they  had  made  for  the 
exigencies  of  the  public  service. 

About  this  time  a  ferment  existed  in  America,  excit- 
ed by  the  discovery  of  the  Henry  Plot^  which  the  Gov- 
ernment of  that  Country  exaggerated  into  an  attempt 
on  the  part  of  this  Government  to  bring  about  a  revo- 
lution among  the  eastern  states,  and  to  dissolve  the 
union.  John  Henry,  a  needy  adventurer,  though  a 
mian  of  some  talents  and  address,  is  said  to  have  been 
by  birth  an  Irishman,  and  to  have  emigrated  i^  hen  a 
}  outh  to  America,  where,  through  the  interest  of  friends 
he  was  appointed  a  Captain  in  the  militia,  and  from 
thence  bore  the  name  of  Captain  Henry.  Not  suc- 
ceeding in  America  to  the  extent  of  his  wishes,  he  mi- 
grated to  Montreal,  where  he  found  means  to  ingrati- 
ate himself  with  some  of  the  principal  personages  of 
this  Province,  and  commenced  his  studies  at  law,  witli 
a  view  of  qualifying  himself  for  a  seat  in  the  judiciary 
of  Upper  Canada,  to  which,  he  was  already  ambitious 
enough  to  aspire.  He  easily  worked  himself  by  in- 
trigue into  the  Governors  notice,  who,  froiii  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  Federal  Faction  in  the  eastern  states, 

liad  room  to  suspect  the  existence  of  a  desire  on  their 

6 


54 


ADMiNISTRATION   OF 


181^3 

part,  to  ibrm  a  political  connection  with  Great  Britain. 
In  order  therefore  to  ascertain  the  state  of  parties  and 
their  views,  Henry,  being  acquainted  with  the  country, 
and  considered  a  man  accomplished  for  political   in- 
trigue, was  selected,  who,  with  a  view  of  turning  it  to 
his  advantage,  readily  accepted  of  the  mission,  and 
proceeded  to  Boston,  where  he  sauntered  away  his 
time  in  the  public  houses  and  brothels  of  that  city, 
writing  from  time  to  time  to  Canada  *    His  studied 
and   ostentatious   epistles,  must  rather  have  amused 
than  instructed  the  Governor,  who  indeed,  derived  less 
information  from  them,  than  from  the  public  journals 
of  the  times.     Henry,  however  estimated  his  services 
much  beyond  any  thing  his  employer  was  disposed  to 
admit  of,  and  therefore  resorted  for  a  compensation  to 
the  Government  at  home.     In  a  Memorial  to  Lord 
Liverpool,  stating  his  services,  he  suggested  that  the 
appointment  of  Judge  Advocate  General  of  Lower 
Canada,  with  the  salary  of  five  hundred  pounds  per 
annum,  or  a  Consulate  in  the  United  States  sine  cura, 
would  be  considered  by  him  as  a  liberal  discharge  of 
any  obligation  that  Government  entertained  in  rela- 
tion, to  his  services.     The  prudent  Minister  held  the 
royal    favors    in    too   high    estimation   to   prostitute 
them  upon  a  mercenary  and  intriguing  vagrant,  and 
coolly  referred  him  to  the  colonial  Government,  then 
in  chargci  of  Sir  George  Prevost.     The  proud  spirit, 
or  perhaps  the  indigence  of  the  adventurer,  could  nat 
brook  the  delay  and  indifference  of  the  Minister,  who, 
he  clearly,  saw,  by  referring  him  to  the  colonial  gov- 
ernment, only  wished  to  evade  a  direct  refusal  to  his  ap- 
plication.    Chargrined  with  disappointment,  he  made 
Jb^s  way  to  America,  where  (as  it  u  confidentially  said) 

*  This  happened  in  the  coarse  of  the  winter  of  1809. 


181^3 

at  Britain, 
•arties  and 
e  country, 
tlitical   in- 
rning  it  to 
3sion,  and 
!  away  his 
that  city, 
[is  studied 
re  amused 
srived  less 
c  journals 
is  services 
isposed  to 
nsation  to 
I  to  Lord 
that  the 
of  Lower 
Dunds  per 
sine  cura, 
icharge  of 
I  in  reJa- 
•  held  the 
prostitute 
rant,  and 
lent,  then 
>ud  spirit, 
could  not 
5ter,  who, 
mial  gov- 
tohisap- 
he  made 
iaUysaid) 


1612] 


Sm    GEORGE    PREVOST. 


I»d 


upon  receiving  a  stipulated  sum,  he,  in  resentment  to 
the  British,  delivered  up  his  correspondence  to  the 
American  Government.  The  Henry  Plot  (it  was  so  de- 
nominated) was  clamoured  through  America,  as  a 
crime  of  the  deepest  dye  on  the  part  of  Great  Britain, 
tending  to  disorganise  the  Government,  to  dismember 
the  union,  and  to  destroy  the  independence  of  the 
States.  The  fictious  and  exaggerated  importance 
which  the  American  Government  affected  to  attach  to 
this  trivial  matter,  had  however,  some  influence  in 
confirming  the  spirit  of  hostility  towards  Great  Bri- 
tain which,  at  that  time  pervaded  America,  and  short- 
ly after  broke  out  in  open  war.  This  self-sufficient 
miscreant  having  as  he  fancied,  taken  ample  vengeance 
upon  the  government  of  his  native  country,  could  not 
with  any  degree  of  decency  remain  in  the  States,  from 
whence  he  sailed  for  France  in  an  American  sloop  of 
war,  carrying  with  him  the  reward  of  his  treason,  and 
the  universal  contempt  of  mankind. 

The  Governor  by  a  General  Order  of  the  28th  May 
organized  four  battalions  of  embodied  militia,  in  vir- 
tue of  the  late  Act.  The  first  Battalion  rendezvous'd 
at  Point  aux  Trembles  near  Quebec,  under  the  Com- 
mand of  Colonel  De  Salaberry,  the  second,  at  Lapra- 
irie  near  Montreal,  commanded  by  Colonel  De  j?-ou- 
ville,  the  third,  at  Berthier  in  the  District  of  Montreal, 
Commanded  by  Lieutenant  Colonel  Cuthbert,  and  the 
fourth,  at  St.  Thomas  near  Quebec,  commanded  by 
Lieutenant  Colonal  Taschereau.  The  alacrity  with 
which  thev  were  filled,  and  the  cheerfulness  with  which 
the  young  men  submitted  to  the  restraints  of  discipline, 
reflected  credit  upon  the  military  character  of  the  Can- 
adians.   This  proof  of  the  zeal   and  the  loyalty  of  the 


56 


ADMINISTRATION   OP 


[1812 

people  must  have  inspired  Government  with  hopes  of 
a  successful  resistance  against  the  approaching  war, 
and  a  reciprocal  confidence  between  the  Governor  and 
the  people  seems  to  have  resulted  as  much  from  the 
the  danger  of  the  moment,  as  from  any  studied  policy 
on  the  part  of  the  present  administration.  They  who 
had  incurred  the  displeasure   of  the   late  Governor 
were  treated  with  confidence,  and  gradually  appoint- 
ed to  situations  of  trust.  A  Regiment  of  Canadian  Vol- 
tjgeurs  was  recruited,  and  placed  under  the  command 
of  Major  De  Salaberry  of  the  60th  regiment  of  foot, 
which  in  the  course  of  the  war  became  eminent  for 
discipline,  and  its  steadiness  in  action,  as  well  as  for 
the  fatiguing  duties  on  which  it  was  unremittingly  em- 
ployed. 


Declaration       ^"  ♦^^^  *  ^th  June,  the  American  Govern  - 
of  War  by  A-  ment  declared  War  against  Great  Britain, 
and  on  the  24th,  the  event  was  known  at 
Quebec,  where  it  caused  an  immediate  stagnation  in 
business.     The  Province  was  however  now  in  some 
measure  prepared  for  defence :  yet  so  bold  a  measure 
on  the  part  of  America  necessarily  created  a  belief  that 
the  cabinet  of  Washington  must  have  relied  upon  some 
unknown  resources,  which  when  developed  for  action, 
would  secure  the  conquest  ofthese  colonies.  A  notifica- 
tion was  immediately  made  by  the  police,  that  all  Ame- 
rican citizens  must  leave  Quebec  by  the  first  of  July, 
and  be  out  of  that  district  on  the  third  of  the  same 
month.     On  the  last  day  of  June,  the  period  was  ex- 
tended by  the  Governor's  proclamation  :  fourteen  days 
were  allowed  to  such  Americans  as  were  in  the  pro- 
vince, they  being  principally  persons  who  had  entered 
the  same  in  good  fiiith,  and  iii  the  prosecution  of  com- 


■% 


[1812 

ith  hopes  of 
icbing  war, 
vernor  and 
h  from  the 
died  policy 

They  who 
;  Governor  , 
y  appoint- 
ladian  Vol- 

commaud 
nt  of  foot, 
minent  for 
well  as  for 
ttingly  em- 


in  Govern - 
It  Britain, 

known  at 
gnation  in 
*  in  some 
a  measure 
belief  that 
ipon  some 
or  action, 
\  notifica- 
LtallAme- 
t  of  July, 

the  same 
d  was  ex- 
teen  days 

the  pro- 
d  entered 
n  of  com- 


1812] 


SIR  GEORGE  PREVOST. 


57 


mercial  pursuits.  On  the  same  day,  proclamations  is- 
sued imposing  an  embargo  upon  the  shipping  in  the 
port,  and  convoking  the  House  of  Assembly  on  the  16th 
of  July.  '    • 

At  the  opening  of  the  Session,  the  Governor,  after 
briefly  informing  the  Parliament  of  the  recent  declar- 
ation of  war  by  America,  said,  he  relied  upon  the  spirit 
of  his  Majesty's  subjects  in  the  province,  their  attach- 
ment and  zeal  for  the  religion  of  their  forefathers,  their 
loyalty  to  their  Sovereign,  and  their  ardent  love  for 
the  true  interests  of  their  country ;  and  that  he  should 
depend  implicitly  under  divine  providence,  upon  their 
best  exertions,  aided  by  the  courage  and  loyalty  of  the 
militia,  and  by  the  valour,  skill,  and  discipline  of  His 
Majesty's  regular  forces,  for  repelling  every  hostile  at- 
tempt that  might  be  made  upon  the  colony.  He  ob- 
served with  concern  that  the  necessary  establishment 
of  the  Militia  Forces,  together  with  the  various  servi- 
ces and  operations  of  the  approaching  campaign, 
would  be  attended  with  considerable  expence,  but  that 
he  relied  upon  their  wisdom  and  public  spirit,  for  such 
supplies  as  the  exigencies  of  affairs  might  be  found  to 
require  :  he  at  the  same  time  expressed  his  approba- 
tion of  the  embodied  militia,  and  his  confidence  in  their 
increasing  discipline,  which  encouraged  an  expectation 
that  they  would  materially  contribute  to  the  defence 
of  their  country. 

The  public  coffers  being  entirely  drained,  the  Gb^- 
vernor,  to  obviate  the  deficiency,  resolved  to  issue  Ai^- 

.7 |---j  i^r.'^i'vy  i.zmx,!.    sii  t  SAOir,  V7i    Hi  ■WIVf  VClUiilCill  iJii'.S 

of  Exchange  on  London,  but  the  concurrence  of  the 
Legislature  in  this  measure  was  iudispeassible,  as  W^lJ 


58 


ADMINISTRATION    OF 


[1812 

to  insure  their  currency,  as  to  provide  funds  for  the 
payment  oC  the  interest  that  might  become  due  upon 
them.     Two  private  and  confidential  Messages  were 
sent  to  the  House  of  Assembly  by  the  Governor ;  one, 
submitting  to  its  consideration  the  necessity  of  immedi- 
ately strengthening  the  hands  of  government,  by  arm- 
ing him  with  autliority  to  suppress  any  attempt  to  pro- 
duce disorder  or  insubordination,  and  for  immediate 
punishment  of  any  oflences  which  might  interrupt  or 
endanger  the  public  tranquillity,  which  he  trusted  the 
Legislature  would  have  the  less  hesitation  in  doing, 
from  its  conviction  that  he  could  at  all  times,  by  virtue 
of  his  commission,  avail  himself  of  the  power  of  declar- 
ing martial  law  to  its  fullest  extent ;  and  from  the  per- 
suasion which  he  trusted  was  entertained  by  the  House, 
that  in  seeking  from  them  a  partial  exercise  of  it,  he 
could  have  no  other  object  in  v^iew  than  the  preserva- 
tion of  the  tranquillity  and   welfare  of  the  province, 
with  the  least  possible  injury  to  the  public  convenience. 
The  other  represented  the  want  of  specie  to  satisfy 
the  demands  of  the  increasing  militia  and  military 
establishments,  and  the  impossibility  of  procuring  mo 
ney  to  the  extent  required  for  government  bills  of 
exchange.     He  at  the  same  time  laid  before  the  House, 
an  opinion  and  advice  of  the  Executive  Council,  as  to 
the  most  effectual  mode  of  resource  from  which  a  de- 
ficiency in  the  circulating  medium  might  be  supplied, 
recommending  the  issue  of  Army  Bills  under  certain 
conditions  to  the  amount  of  two  hundred  and  fifty 
thousand  pounds  currency.    He  therefore  called  upon 
the  House  of  Assembly  for  such  aid  as  might  be  deem- 
ed expedient  for  the  accomplishment  of  an  object,  rea- 
dered  more  peculiarly  important  by  the  present  extra- 
ordinary crisiiS  of  public  affairs,  and  strongly  recoija- 


1812] 


Sill   G£OHG£    PJEl£VU&T. 


50 


mended  to  them  the  adoption  of  such  measuies  as 
should  mspire  confidence  in  the  persons  taking  these 
bills,  and  guard  both  the  public  and  individuals  against 
the  possibility  of  any  loss  to  arise  from  them.      <  ; 

The  House  of  Assembly  appears  from  its  silence  on 
the  subject  of  the  former  message,  to  have  cautiously 
declined  any  measure  tending  to  sanction  a  recurrence 
to  martial  law,  or  at  least,  to  have  left  the  responsi- 
bility with  the  Governor,  of  exercising  in  the  event  of 
need,  those  powers  with  which  he  thought  himself  vest- 
ed in  virtue  of  his  commission  :  the  same  House  how- 
ever in  the  following  session  resolved  that  martial  law 
could  not  be  legally  resorted  to,  unless  with  the  au^- 
thority  of  the  Provincial  Parliament. 

A  Bill  to  facilitate  the  circulation  of  Army  Bills  was 
introduced,  and  the  liberality  of  the  House  of  Assembly 
surpassed  the  hopes  of  the  Executive.  Fifteen  thoi>- 
sand  pounds  were  granted  to  pay  the  interest  that 
might  become  due  upon  Army  Bills,  of  which  two  hui*- 
dred  and  fifty  thousand  pounds  were  authorized  to  be 
put  in  circulation,  (large  Bills  of  twenty-five  dollars, 
and  upwards,  bearing  interest  at  the  rate  of  four  pence 
per  day  for  every  one  hundred  pounds.)  They  were 
made  current  in  the  Revenue,  were  to  have  the  effect 
of  a  legal  tender,  and  were  redeemable  at  the  Army 
Bill  Office,  either  in  cash,  or  Government  Bills  of  Ex- 
change on  London,  at  the  option  of  the  commander  of 
the  forces.  Small  bills  of  four  dollars  were  at  all  times 
payable  in  cash  at  the  Army  Bill  Office.  All  contracts 
in  which  any  distinction  should  be  made  between  Ar- 
my Bills  and  cash,  were  to  be  void  ;  and  at  the  expirar 
tion  of  five  years,  all  those  who  might  thea  be  holderi; 


00 


ADMINISTRATION    OF 


[1812 

of  such  Army  Bills,  were  entitled  to  receive  tiie  amount 
of  the  same  with  interest  due  upon  them,  out  of  the 
Provincial  Treasury.  To  defray  the  expence  of  the 
Army  Bill  Oliice  in  issuing,,  circulating  and  conceal- 
ing the  Army  Bills,  tlie  Legislature  also  granted  the 
further  sum  of  two  thousand  five  hundred  pounds  per 
annum.  On  the  first  day  of  August  1812,  this  Bill  re- 
ceived tiie  Royal  Sanction,  and  the  Governor  proro- 
gued the  Parliament,  with  acknowledgements  for  the 
liberal  aid  they  had  granted  him,  to  meet  the  exigencies 
of  the  public  service.  This  seasonable  provision  of 
the  Legislature,  at  once  enabled  government  to  meet 
the  demands  of  the  public  service,  and  revived  the  pub- 
lic spirit.  A  want  of  means  at  so  uigent  a  crisis  must 
have  paralysed  the  energies  of  government,  and  this 
circumstance  alone,  might  have  created  a  doubt  in  the 
minds  of  the  Canadians,  of  the  indifference  of  the  mo- 
ther country  towards  the  colony,  that  would  have  in- 
duced a  despondency  fatal  to  these  provinces. 

In  the  mean  time  the  cities  of  Quebec  and  Montreal 
assumed  a  military  aspect.    The  sedentary  militia  re- 
gularly attended  drill  and  exercise ;  and  all  classes 
manifested  an  ardent  zeal  for  the  public  service,  verg- 
ing upon  enthusiasm.    On  the   5th  of  July,  (the  re- 
gular troops  having  previously  left  Quebec  for  the  dis- 
trict of  Montreal)  the  sedentary  militia  of  Quebec 
commenced  garrison  duty,  and  the  Montreal  militia 
soon  followed  the  example.    On  the  6th,  the  whole  mili- 
tia of  the  province,  were,   by  a  general  order,  com- 
manded to  hold  themselves  in  readiness  to  be  embodi- 
ed, and  mai'ch  to  such  points  as  might  be  requisite  for 
the  defence  of  the  province;  and  the  flank  companies 
t>f  the  Montreal  militia,  were  formed  into  a  battalion 
'md  armed. 


[1812     I    181^] 


SIR   GEIORGE   PIIEVOST. 


61 


Riots  at  La-  A  riot  which  occurred  in  the  neighbour- 
hood  of  Montreal  at  this  time,  the  pro- 
gress whereof,  was  however  promptly  checked  by  the 
interposition  of  the  military,  deserves  to  be  mentioned. 
Some  young  men  who  had  been  drafted  into  the  em- 
bodied militia  from  the  parish  of  Point  Claire,  refused 
to  join  the  battalion  into  which  they  were  drafted  : 
four  of  the  delinquents  were  apprehended  after  some 
opposition  by  their  adherents,  who  having  rescued  one, 
threatened  to  assemble  and  proceed  to  Laprairie,  and 
bring  away  such  of  their  friends  as  had  already  joined 
the  embodied  militia  at  that  depot.  On  the  ensuing 
day,  a  mob  assembled  at  Lachine,  to  the  number  of 
between  three  and  four  hundred  (some  estimate  them 
at  a  greater  number,)  of  whom,  nearly  eighty  were 
armed  with  fusils  and  fowling  pieces :  being  deaf  to 
remonstrance,  it  was  judged  expedient  to  call  out  the 
military,  and  accordingly  the  light  company  of  the 
49th  regiment,  and  a  detachment  of  artillery  with  two 
field  pieces,  under  the  command  of  Major  Plenderleath, 
proceeded  from  Montreal,  accompanied  with  a  magis- 
trate ;  who  upon  arriving  at  Lachine,  remonstrated 
with  the  rioters  upon  tlieir  misconduct.  They,  in  an- 
swer, gave  him  to  understand,  that  they  were  informed 
the  militia  bill  had  not  been  sanctioned  by  the  Gover- 
nor and  Legislative  Council,  and  that  necessarily,  the 
militia  law  was  not  in  force.  They,  however,  witli  re- 
peated shouts  of  Vive  le  Roi,  declared  they  were  rea- 
dy, one  and  all,  to  serve  the  King  against  the  common 
euemv,  should  the  Governor  call  for  their  services. — 
The  ferment  w  as  already  too  high,  to  hope  for  any  ad- 
vantage from  argument.  The  Riot  Act  being  there- 
fore read,  the  magistrate  ordered  them  to  disperse, 
and  upon  their  refusing  to  comply,  a  round  shot  was. 


62 


ADMINISTRATION   OP 


[1812 

fired  by  the  artillery,  too  hi^h  to  do  injury,  in  order  to 
intimidate  tliem.     This  was  instantly  returned  by  the 
mob  in  a  spirited  manner,  with  small  arms  :  a  volley 
was  tlien  fired  by  the  troops  witii  grape  and  small  arms, 
but  still  purposely  too  elevated  to  do  any  harm  ;  this 
was  also  returned  by  the  mob.     From  this  determin- 
ed resistance,  decision  became  absolutely  necessary, 
and  the  troops  were  ordered  to  direct  their  fire  against 
the  rioters  who  almost  immediately  dispersed,  keeping 
up  a  straggling  fire  from  the  bushes,  and  concealed  by 
the  darkness,  which  began  to  set  in.     One  man  was 
found  dead,  and  another  dangerously  wounded.  A  few 
prisoners  were  taken  and  sent  to  Montreal.     On  tjie 
following  day  a  detachment  of  the  Montreal  militia, 
consisting  of  four  hundred  and  fifty  men,  marched  for 
Point  Claire,  and  from  thence  to  St.  Lawrent,  in  the 
rear  of  the  Island  of  Montreal,  and  brought  into  town, 
twenty-four  of  the  delinquents,  who,  with  thirteen  al- 
ready in  custody,  made  thirty-seven  in  all.    Many 
others  came  into  Montreal  to  crave  the  Governor's  par- 
don, which,  after  reproving  their  misconduct  and  point- 
ing out  the  danger  wherein  they  had  placed  themselves, 
he  granted,  upon  condition  of  their  giving  up  the  de- 
serters of  the  embodied  militia,  and  declaring  the  ring- 
leaders of  the  riot.     Twelve  or  fourteen  of  these  delu- 
ded men  were  afterwards  brought  to  trial  and  convict- 
ed of  rioting,  and  were  condemned  to  fines  and  impri- 
sonment. 


Hostilities  had  in  the  mean  time  commenced  in  Up- 
per Canada,  and  the  most  brilliant  success  dawned 
upon  the  British  arms  in  that  quarter.  Captain  Rob- 
erts who  was  statioued  at  the  small  post  or  block  hf  >use 
«f  St.  Joseph's,  situated  on  an  Island  in  Lake  Huron, 


1812] 


SIR   GEORGE    PREVOST. 


63 


to  the  north  west  of  Mackinac,  and  at  about  forty-five 
miles  distant,  on  the  eighth  of  July  received  from  Gen. 
Brock,  commanding  in  Upper  Canada,  a  notification 
dated  on  the  26th  June,  of  the  declaration  of  war,  with 
orders  to  make  an  immediate  attack  upon  Mackinac ^f 
practicable;  or,  in  the  event  of  an  attack  by  the  Ame- 
ricans upon  St  Joseph's,  to  defend  it  to  the  utmost,  or 
retreat  upon  St.  Mary's,  a  post  belonging  to  the  North- 
West  Company  at  no  great  distance,  and  to  make  the 
best  possible  defence.     He  at  the  same  time  received 
from  that  officer,  another  letter  dated  the  27th  June, 
suspending  the  orders  given  in  the  former  letter,  from  • 
his  uncertainty  of  the  declaration  of  war.     On  the  1 1  th 
of  July,  he  again  received  despatches  from  Sir  George 
Prevo..t,  dated  at  Quebec  on  the  25th  June,  and  from 
General  Brock  dated  at  Fort  George  in  Upper  Cana- 
da, on  the  28th  June  ;  the  former  of  these  notifying  the 
war,  and  directing  him  to  take  every  precaution  to  se- 
cure his  post  against  any  attempt  by  the  enemy,  and 
to  render  every  assistance  in  his  power  consistent  with 
the  service,  to  secure  the  interests  of  the  North  West 
Company,  and  in  case    of  necessity  to  effect  his  re- 
treat.    By  the  latter.  General  Brock,  being  sufficiently 
informed  of  the  declaration  of  war  by  America  against 
Great  Britain,  desired  Captain  Roberts  to  adopt  the 
most  prompt  and  effectual  measures  to  possess  himself 
of  Mackinac,  and  directed  him,  in  order  to  effect  his 
purpose,  to  call  to  his  assistance  the  Indians  within  his 
influence,  as  well  as  the  gentlemen  and  dependants  of 
the  North  West  and  South  West  Companies,  who  might 
be  at,  or  near  his  post.     The  contrariety  of  instruction^ 
from  the  two  General  Officers,  with  the  great  hazard  in . 
attempting  to  seize  upon  a  post  of  the  strength  and  im- 
portance, of  Mackinac  to  the  United  States,  which  there 


64 


ADMINISTRATION 
,T307:jai    SUDHO 


Ws^i 


rim^ 


was  reason  to  presumGi  had  preoarQ^  th^t  post  lurainst 

^<TtoWFts^/'^'H6/ilbt  only  *wiii  totally  an 

-■\e^(fi«W'if^|^iu<*h'rn(&me^  beftjg  in  i^  uUcJ  apcl 

'HiWrnWaWt^d  cbtfntfy,"  \>'as  also,,  at  too  great  a  distwre 
.itt«ft*+n*'A^.>^*^fl  ♦A  V«W!.uo:„  -tMi  iiis  -------      •  • 


rWWiitatea'MiS'  itrt^fitiOns(  to  Mr.  PothicT,  a  gerftleman 

Mux^mm'WM v^^p:iq^  tH^mxtfit,  j^c^^m 

wrf*<'6^YifihnW  ihhisre^rtliifion,'1)y  Itie  amirobution  and 


^m-^m^r^eiicycouW]^  of  much  service.:  wJjwi  an 
l!^i^^fe^at¥ived«KV4pspa^f  ^^  pel^Sl 
ol'tfie^fourth  of  the  satn^  'fefojiiii;  leaving' iteiitiSS^  ^t 


C9ipt.<^beKt?  4*eit  ttialot^e»«h0le3Pobplftii9b«liy,^^e 

'3 


><ii^^  I    1812] 


■m   OCOROE    PREVOST. 


65 

enterprise  devolved  upon  l.imself,  and  that  incalculable 
evil  must  result  to  the  Upper  Province  in  the  event  of 
faihire.  Finding  his  men  in  high  spirits,  he  was  deter- 
mined to  persevere  at  all  events,  and  on  the  16th  of 
July  he  set  out  with  his  flotilla  of  boats  and  canoes. 

North  West  Company,  loaded  with  stores  and  pro- 
visions. On  the  ensuing  morning,  he  effected  his  land^ 
ing  before  Mackinac  without  opposition,  and  imme- 
diately  summoned  the  garrison  to  surrender,  which, 
Capture  of  ^^^er  a  few  minutes,  was  complied  with' 
Mactinac.       without  the  effusion  of  a  drop  of  blood.   ' 

Capt.  Rol>erts  in  resolving  upon  an  attack  against 
Mackinac,  had  imposed  an  embargo  upon  all  boats  and 
canoes  at  St.  Joseph's,  by  which  means  all  communi- 
cation  was  cut  off,  nor  had  the  American  officer  any 
certain  intelligence  of  the  declaration  of  war  previous 
to  the  arrival  of  the  British  before  Mackinac*    A 
quantity  of  military  stores  of  every  description  suit- 
able for  the  Indian  trade  was  found  in  the  fort.    Two 
Vessels,  loaded  with  furs,  not  aware  of  the  capture 
were  decoyed  into  Mackinac,  but  the  property  was  re-' 
stored  to  the  proprietors,  by  order  of  a  board  of  claims 
afterwards  held  at  Montreal,  at  which  Miijor  Genera! 
De  Rottenburgh  presided.   This  achievement,  effected 
by  the  promptitude  and  judicious  arrangements  of 
capt.  R.  not  only  inspired  the  people  with  confidence, 
and  gave  a  turn  to  the  present  campaign  fatal  to  the 
views  of  America,  by  enabling  us  to  maintain  our  in- 
fluence among  the  Indian  nations  of  the  West,  which 
otherwise  must  have  been  lost,  which  essentiallv  r«n- 

*  The  garrisoii  at  Mackinac  (correctly  called  Michilimackinac)  con- 
asted  of  a  Captain's  Command  of  about  76  man. 

6 


m 


,iAJ9H?»I.STRATiPff   0*' 


tlSi^ 


ti?ibute<litOi]the^uccessful  struggle  afterwards  maintain- 
ed ag4i|i^ttjfcwe  American  arms  in  Upper-Canada.  <jl«n* 
HiuU^^ft^r  the  capiuf^^i^iilm  army  ai^  the  fall  of  De- 
irc^it^l lin  Jili^  p^iaj  de&patcl|,  relative  -to  these  events, 
attr^^es  bi^  disasters  io,  the  fall  of  Mackinac ;  after 
thfii(8«iTMidqr.tirwhi(;b*alinosti  every  trlhe  a,nd  nation 
of  Jikdsiuis^  except  ^{lart  of  tk^Hiamies  andDelawares, 
nQ|i^  fromlbe^fond,  li^He!  Superior^  west  from  beyond 
fthfHjMbsbsippi,  so6th  from  Ohio  and  fthe  Wabash,  and 
essiiCfcom  every  part  of  Upper  Canada,  and  from  all 
theiritertoedi»ite  country  joined  in  open  hostility  against 
the  army  he  commanded. 


Ui  J' 


Previous  to  the  declaration  of  war,  the  American  go- 
vernmfent  had  concentrated  their  army  at  Detroit,  and 
in  the  Michigan  Territory,  under, the  command  of  Bri- 
gadier peneral  Hull,  (an  officer  bred  in  the  revoluti- 
onary ^^ar,)  with  the  intent  of  following  up  their  decla- 
ration, of  wkr,  by  an  imipediate  invasiop  of  tipper 
Canacia,  and  by  that, means  to  intercept  the  British 
influence  over  the  Indians,  as  well  as  to  maintaip  co- 
bperating/relations  with  such  forces  as  might  be  else- 
where eng%ed  against  the  British  Provinces. 


7BV   ?:■- 


rirstlnvasi-  On  the  l!2th  bf  July,  this  Officii-,  pos- 
on  6f  CJpptJ^  sessed  of  di^retionary  authority  ihjMhis 
\mm>tn>r-  government,  and  having,  a«  he  Ihonght,  a 
iMcient  force*  tb  Isfetiure  an  easy  iuid  victorious  pro- 
gress In  thte  Upper  Province,  i^oSsed 'without  opposi- 
tibri  from  Detroit  to  Sandwith  on  the  British  side.  With 
an^'sfrmyof  ab6ut  fifteetaf  htjiid^^tnert.  Here  he  esta- 
liflishedi  his  Hyatt-  tf uaf f<l^;  VM  is^tied^li  Pi^deid'i^ation, 
memoraine  lonne  pnosmve  ana  pompous  lone  in  wnicn 
hb  'Mld^aft^^th^  ejisy  icbhqoeiit  of  te&adia,  di^d  the 
hostile  threat  of  exterminatioB   and   indiscriminate 


laii^] 


S*R  ''0M6lld«  t  ttlft^ST. 


slaughter  of  eV^iy  White  Man  who  slw^ldbeftiuiud 
fiG^hting  by  the  side  of  An  Indidtt  *  'G^ei!ifera4  BtOcfkl 
upon  receiving  this  proclimartiott  atFdrt'  G^dfg^/iifej- 
sued  an  the  22d  i'ily,  a  proclamation  as  r«fri&rkab1e 
for  the  solfd  reasdni%  and  dignity  of  its  1aiigulig^?^fes 
that  of  the  American,  ibr  its  pi-^stiifip'tiomf'H'eiiiiimrfi 
diately  convoked  the  Provincial  Par)fi)ittieflt,wilnfcli%» 
sembled  on  the  28th  at  York/ tile' caj^Ml' of OPjtrpetr 
Catiada;  and  in  the  mean  tJiine' 4espatctied€Moiid 
Proctor  with  such  reinforcemehts^  as?  could  be  sjiat^dj 
to  ^«SHme  the  command  at  Am l>^sttrtri'g;tJj«i  in ^^bif^^ 
of  Lieut.  Col.  St.  George      if^ibnamm  'y  grl  ^i  tg  ^dt 


eneral  Hull  remamed  for  some  fime  inactive^  u^^^^ 
pretext  of  mailing  preparation  to 'pro^ui^^tiiec^ 
paign  with  vigour;  but  it  Was   tlieialla^oiishope  of 
an  early  ii^surrection  in  his  faybiir  tfet  fulled*  hian  into 
^^upjness  J^af  to  the;siafetv  oi"  fes  armry^:^  ■:^^ 

^^&  %  ^i^V  ^igM^i^'nil^s^  beiow^liitf^^nd  the  miid 
an^!j?icKete(J  foTtii&c^i^  Was  noV  m  a 

condition  to  make  resistance  against  a  regular  stege. 
1  he  American^  Gonfi^dent  pfan  eas;^  conquest,  had  n6t, 
as  yet  a  single  cannon' or  moriaiMT^bunttiTl/Bn^ 
deavour  to  ^aji^  if  at  the . point,  pf  the  bayonet,  he 
thouglit  inexpedient..  During  this  dej^ay  his  sHimifon 
became  more  and  more  pt-ecaripus  :  three  detachments 
fromi^is  army  were^.on  three  successive, d^ys,  h^^i^ix 
back  by  a,  haiidfuJ  of  the  41st  regiment  and:  a  few  la- 
dians,  from  the  bridge  over  the  river  Canard,  thre<e 
miles  from  Andierstburgh,  whii^ch  .they  endeavoured  to 
seize,  in  order  to  ppen  tl^  route,to  thatjP^sl^iJKnPther 
-vitvv.i.«i.ui.  lll,«|^^^^^J^IJ^  vu  ^ru  iH^.r^y^r  mg|«^r  up, 


wasf 


^^y>^^^'SM^i^m^\m^^t^m0^ 


;!.f    mifj*  ^p^^AppRWdf*  c; 


t«Tsril  ^Upj, 


i)  •'•: 


.r...i« 


nff 


I 


I 


I'-i 


ADsriiJlgf  liAtlON  OF 


[i8l2 


tw 


^  r J?'?^^^'  |^«?f^"s  mcr  Uy  cohcealed  in  the  grass.    The 

^^iw^fttjP^^"^'^!*'"^^^  sudden  and  hideou^yell, 

>iM  ^?P  J*;^"^^^^^9^'^^^^a^^^^^    their  arms,  accoutre- 

-^^^^  5?V£^¥^^%^^^^^^^  sloop   of  war 

u  B'^^P/j^lfif  fT^pJ^^^  eighteen  twenty-four  poun- 

iii!PA,r^7feMf  -Petroilt  River;  opposite  the  mouth  of 

JH  "r?,fi  9^?^nara,  §6  that  it   was  impossible  for  the 

^iI^,W''^ans:  W.convey  by  water  to  Amherstburgh  any 

^uM^^^P^'^f;^'^^^^  «^"<^l»  labour  they  had  at  last 

c9!fe)-?*M  *^P:*vventy-four  pounders.     Lieutenant  Rol- 

^^"^^i^?^'^?^"— ^  ^^^  ^^"^^^  Brig  Hunter,  had  on  the 

iMi^Si-^l—^^^^^  *^"^'^^^*^^^  ^"  *^^  forenoon,  by  a 

jrmj  l.i^P^^P^^  only  six  men,  succeed- 

.ifflo'ii^ifi*"""^  ^he  %«%«*  Packet  bound  from 

clf?u?  P^f?:)^  ^^^^"^  ^'»th  troops,  an(J  loaded  with 

Da         '        -"•    ■     '^-      -    - 


'll^.^t?,?^^^^?^  *^^  Hospital  Stores  of  the  American  ar^ 

y-^^l^  '?^^  6f  which  Was  now  severely  felt.    Michili- 

»ac  ih^is  rear,  had  b^enlakeri  since  the  com- 


'  mdciii' 

■  i-myo 


i>li5o^"55"'^'?*  of  the- invasion,  while  Che  Indians  frOfti  that 
i   S"*^'^'^^^^^^  Our 

^,:  *  The  merit  of  this  gallant  action  which  greatly  contributed-to  mar  the 
f)lan's  of  General  Hull,  by  the  total  loss  of  all  his  hospital  stores,  has 
fee«H  inore  thatv  >d»*e  linde^rvedly  attribated  to  a  person  who  never 
%:iSAW  tl)Q,(?f»y<4pg^  uqt41  LicHt^nant  RoUette  had  brought  her  safe  info 
i  > f i!i"'"!^P"J'  f P  f^^  ,s"rppze  and  admiration  of  every  one  present.    It  is  no 
more  than  justice,  to  wriicli  Lieut.' kollette  is  strictly  entitled,  to  assert 
"  tbrfthis  servfces^opon  Lake  Erie,  while  he  commanded  the  Huntet,  and 
;:te»Ul  he  was  compell^  ai  a  Proviscial  Officer  to  fall  in  the  rear  of 
:f!»e  ^utenants  of  thQ  RQ.y4L  Navv,  were  uniformly  successful,  and 
h^yono^been  excelled  by  anything  performed  on  the  Lakes' by  the 
officers  of  the  navy,  whd'superseded  the  provincial  officers.    The  for- 
m*^  w^ere  perhaps  superior  in  Mot-ics,  -and  cherished  a  hearty  though 
imjstakeacptttemptifp;-  the.Aiperipans,  In  which  they  have  been  since 
Wpfulljf  undecpiv^d.  Tla^.provincial  officers  were  surely  not  less  brave, 
;  S?"l^  ?°^®  P"*!^^.^"*  tHkn 'the  former,  and'  as  things  haVe  turned  out, 
''  cicii-  ileets  oii  Lalcis  Eric  and' Ohamplain  might  as  well  have  been  en- 
4ttut«d  <o't*ovinciaJ,  as  navy  fifljcers.    'i:hfe former  with  one  or  two  ex- 
ceptions, have  been  always  more  sucf^sgful  on  the  lakes  Ihan  the  Ia((fr. 


[i8l2     I     .i8|2] 


^^^(ft*^O^a?;  ^Pjl^^SrpST. 


8#9 


8 


naval  force  being,  superior  on  the  lake,  Cploiiel  Proc- 
tor pushed  over  to  BrQ^ns^c;Wti;^viii^;,^arlVS^^ 
siteto  Amherstbur^h/tw^mymll^rbe^^ 
small  detachment oi: the,4ist  i^^imenV  un^er  U  coL- 
maiK^  of  Captain  T^ion,  witH  gie^flrnd^ji^,  fe„ 
he  5th  of  August  surprise^atfd'ltoe^^  ji^tj/  iif  i^o 
hundred  Americans  un^er  ^^orf^ovn^ii^mir 
way  ftom  Deiroit ^o  the  ftlver  ildisiri;1c?  ^^^  i%. 
tachment  of  volunteers  from  Ohio  una&CaprSn^, 
with  a  convoy  of  provisions  for  tlie  arn^y.  l^iiSy^Aair 
a  quantity  of  booty,  and  Generar  HuH^s  ^^^^acJies 
to  the  Secretary  at  War,  f^U  into  theili^n^'jol^afe^ 
tors,  whereby  the  deplorable  state  c^lhe'^^m^ 
army  was  disclosed  ;  and  Colonel  Proctoi^last  Jo  ^Le 
m  sending  over  a  reinforcement  of  one  hundred' oi^the 
41st  regt.  with  some  militia  and  four  hundred  Indians 
the  whole  commanded  by  Major  Muir,  uncferprol^ct- 
ion  of  the  Hunter  sloop  of  war.    ;r„;^helntei:k-  the 
Amencan,  General  received  a  :despatch7ro^'iGierieral 
Hall  on  the  Niagara  irontier,Jntimatins  that  li^ojuld 
notexpect  a  co-operation  in  that  quarter;  whiiSi;  woUld 
have  cre?^ted>  diversion  in  his  fWoK!  ;'^atg!^^*the 
hopeless  state  of  things  when  the  Amerii>^  ^^nej-al 
began  to  be  sensible  of  his  danger.  ^  His  army  hem- 
mec)  in  on  every  6ide„  ^iit:  off  from  its^  tefeburces,  and 
hourly  wasting  away  with  defoat,  death;  s&^&ss  and 
fatigue,  unsupported  by  aniii«iirreelioiiof4he.r^uatry 
people  in  his  favor,  and  unaided  by?  Atiyeo-dp^Vatin^ 
army,  and  above  all  dismayed  at,  the  Vqjor^^f^Otn 
Brock's  resolotioii  to.adv»nce;ag^nst hiifl;  his^dj^ipes 
of  conqui(?st  vanishe«d,  awdi  m/tb«  BJnhmg.statcf  of  :his 
--  •-     L_-*  affairs.  IV^''in4i^''H'0^'W|liU'.-i^r-*/iwi'jj4iji-y.!:ij<i...- 

pe,,,T^reat  tP 'P^^«foit,;,«a;J^rl|i|ii|.,^re 
«o«oemi^«tin^g  his  lBaitt«^iiH^,c«paaiib?i•c- 


I4..1I' 


m 


Al>iriKI»TRA7I>09}  ■  Of 


opemog  bis  commuhication  with  the  River  Raisin  and 
Miamii  through  which  he  received  the  whole  of  bi»  sup- 
plies^ to  resume  offensive  operations  against  Upper- 
Canada*  Accordingly  on  the  evenincj  of  the  seventh^ 
aiid<9n>the  raorningof  the  eighth  of  August,  the  whole 
of  Jwsi  army  except  a  garrison  of  two  hundred  and  fifty 
men,  and  a  few  artillery  left  in  charge  of  a  small  for- 
txess  they  hc«l  thrown  up  on  the  Britisi^  side,  a  little 
below  Detroit,  re-crossed  the  river.  General  Hull  now 
detached  a  body  of  six  hundred  men  under  Lieutenant 
Qol.  Miller  to  dislodge  the  British  from  Brownstownv 
and  opeti  the  coinmunication  with  the  rivers  Raisin  and 
Miami,  upon  which  the  existence  of  the  army  depended^ 
BbttieofMa-^"^he  ninth,  this  detachment  was  met  by 
g«fgo>  the  British  and  Indians  under  Major  Muir, 

at  Maguago,  between  Brownstown  and  Detroit,  who, 
after  a  desperate  battle,  in  which  the  Americans  lost 
seventy-five  men,  were  obliged  to  retreat  with  inconsi- 
derable loss  compared  with  that  of  the  Americans.  On 
the  i>eventh  Lieutenant  Rolefete  with  the  boats  of  the 
Que  en,  Charlotte  and  Hunter,  ufider  cover  of  the  guns 
of  thtviatter,  attaipked  and  captured  a  c0nv0y  of  eleven 
battejBUx  and  bpftts,  having  on  board  fifty-six  of  theiif 
wounded,  and  two  English  prisoners,  on  their  way  froiii 
MagOiigo  to  Detroit,  escofted  by  tSyq.  teidrediaudt 
fifty;Ai?>erican  troops <in.shQve^:o{^<r.><.     ,.   ;  ,^^,, 

f  Amidsjt  these  reverses  offortujie,5the  American  Geri- 
eral  was  startled  at  a  summons  to  surrender ■  the  Fort 
of  Detroit,  by  Qeneral  JS^ock,  wJbo,  afteis  baviog  clos*» 
€dith«  pMblic  business  prorogued  the  Parliament,  and 
collecting  a  few  regulars  and  militi^  with  ihcredible 

ci'voRtiAn..    liarl.  fei'%r'\\t\A     A.i^U^««a1 1.  ■ m\       •/-..»        a 

'-- T-7-rnj .  r"*"    »;^"r;^«v>t    «m"«it^i^iwiMi"gt|    on  liie  iiiift  OI 

AwB"s*»  j?o  resolute  a  dfjnand,  istruck  tbe  Anwrwoo 


[1812.     I     leiSjl 


s  IB.  «»Mcifc,iriiBn)«a'ii 


n 


Coffltnaodieriwitihidistoaijr^vwiio^iat.the.inwstc^^ 
contemplated^^  ^«*6u8t»  /uato-jhii  «!wilr/<ri^*irii^  ^lyjtJiM 
BrilisiL    il«  stilh  4»W€vep .  maiMaihedjattfiieieDt  pnekj 
sence  of  iniud  to  iretta-ft.  a  proioplI^nd>pffl$kfcye  ir^iaip 
upon  receipt  of  whitJi,.itiitei,B»itish^  sjfho idow  «ICGupied ; 
the  gboundiatdryf  m  possession, ;9i*tll^)ea©nvjmiiBfiiDJidx> 
of  Detroit,  wliere  tkey^ne^  «p'^tbAttej^,uW«r,tl«Bi 
directions  of  CJapt^,  Dixon  WtheIl6yiiErygibe«fry^t 
commenced  at  about  four  in 'the  aliteraooli  oft'tlie/ifltMl 
teentli,  a  brisk  eannonade  upoii'.Detrcri!t/)<Vr<wrf)HV.4^> 
inch  mortars,  one  eighteen,  and  twoUw^Jvte  p^UiydebP 
under  the  management  of  Captain  iJaHp  ©ft  fhefPto**. 
vii»eial  Navy,  with  a  party  of  sailors,  WWcJh>\jW«wil/ 
tmidedfor  upwards  of  a«ihmir,uitb  great  .^ffe.vf^^^^^^ 
ly  on  the  moraing  of  the  sixteentlW  thei  cdilnonade^ >l?ei 
coiinmeiieed,  while  General  Brock  with i  9kmA!^^% 
huodVed  regulars  fend  militb,  atitl'"  ^i^thMndre^iMW; 
diansi  crossed  th4?  riVei>  without^  «ppo&itio^-,^t.  »he^^ 
Spinng*  sWellsf  three  miUsi  ibeiwv  Dettioit^  ^wK^erifeM^eif 
of  the  Queea  ehaiJlot4e'.^Awd>aunt«iQi 'iMistigfflttif  bw* > 
resolute  ifoi^cev'  after  iWrningi /a pbni^hfe  U^h^i  ^ vaticp 
ed  m  colwmti,  flanfceid'6(frlh6  lefc  by  yi^irnd$dlt4'*#ltli(v 
the  river  of  I^eta-oit  <«»  tbei|s  rigliit^  Itmii  iotdti^^«i^i<bfccf 
distance  of  a  mile)  ft  posiflQri  iitvlM^v,.i(^^^ 
American  f^tj.  iiit^Whith  the  ?^etfty^  h^d<m4^^. 
Here  every  preparatioi*  wa^ mailihig  lb#  fiti^^iiDWi^i^i^ 
assault,  when,  to  the  surprise  of  both  armies,  a  white 
i?lag  was  seen  flying  upd»  iH^  Walls  df  the  F<>r*,tVhd 
a  messenger  advancing  with  propc^sals 'from  tlie=Atnfei^ 
lean  General  to  capitulate;    liieik.  Colonel  M^Pdnell 
of  the  Militiif*,   and  M«Joi^<?l0g^  .#r^eii€ith|^tei. 
ment,  Aid^dfe-eamp  f ^6  General'  6t^<ik:lnM^?a^<y^^ 

proceeded  by  his;^i^erst#  the  l^htv^ftiife  A 
Uetteral,  where  thej^  Ma  f^j^i^^ 


M 


ADMINISTRATION    Off 


pais 

terms  oC  capitulation.   By  this,  the  wliole  of  the  Anier-- 
icaii  army,  iiiclnding  a  detachment  of  three  hundred 
and  fifty  men  under  Colonels  M'Arthur  and  Cass,  des- 
'OSiirt-enaer  of  patched  on  the   14th  for  the  river  Raisin 
T>Hvoit.,,,,,   ,,^  gg^.Qj.j  the  provisions  in  charge  of  Cap- 
tain Brush  from  thence  to  Detroit,  became  prisoners 
of  war;  and  Detroit,  with  the  Michigan  territory,  were 
surrendered  to  the  British  arms,  without  the  effusion 
of  a  sirtj^le  drop  of  British  blood.     The  American 
statements  of  their  own  strength,  nearly  coincide  with 
the  British  reports,  which   make  it  two  thousand  live 
hundred  men  regulars  and  militia.     The  militia  were 
paroled  and  permitted  to  return  home,  on  condition 
of  not  serving  during  the  present  war.     The  regulars 
were  sent  down  to  Quebec.     The  British  force,  includ- 
ing Indians,  is  acknowledged  by  the  enemy  to  have 
consisted    of  only  one  thousand  and  thirty  men  or 
thereabout;     Our  own,  and  perhaps  the  more  correct 
reportsj  state  it  to  have  consisted  of  three  hundi-ed  and 
thirty  regular  ti^oops,  four  hundred  militia,  and  six 
huhdi-ed  Iwdiahs,  \vlmv  upon  the  present  occasion,  are 
said  not  to  Jiave  sullied  the  glory  of  the  day  by  any 
wanton  acts  of  savage  barbarity  incident  to  the  Indian 
mode  df  warfare.  Twenty-five  pieces  of  iron  and  eight 
pi^Ci6s''6fbra)5S  ordnance,  (the  latter  chiefly  of  those 
tdkeii  fi^m  us  in  the  revolution)  with   an  immense 
quantity  of  stores  of  every  description,  and  one  arm- 
ed brig,  called  the  John  Adams  (afterwards  named 
Detroit)  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  British. 

Thus  ended  this  rash  and  imbecile  attempt  at  the 
coiiqa^st  of  Upper  Canada.     The   loss  pf  Mackinac 
ix^A  j^-tiGti,  vTit;;  the  liowtT  oi  incir  311 5 y  at  the  out- 
let bfth«  war,  wa^,a  disgrace  (hat  filled  .he  American 


iiif 


■Vlin 


lu'M 


MfiOSl^f?    .':" 


1812] 


sin  GEORGE  PREVOST. 


73 


government  with  consternation  and  alarm,  as  their  plans 
of  aggrandisement  were  not  only  totally  defeated,  but 
their  whole  western  frontier  laid  open  to  the  inroads  of 
hostile  Indians,  and  at  the  mercy  of  a  people  still  warm 
with  indignation  at  the  late  invasion.  .    i     ,«. 

General  Brock  having  issued  a  proclamation,  ad- 
dressed  to  the  inhabitants  of  the  Michigan  Territory " 
confirming  them  in  the  full  enjoyment  of  their  property! 
laws  and  religion,  left  Colonel  Proctor  in  Command 
of  Detroit,  and  returned  to  York,  where  he  arrived  on 
the  27th  of  August,  amidst  the  heartfelt  acclamations  of 
a  grateful  people,  rescued  by  his  promptitude  from  the 
Ignominy  of  submitting  to  a  conqueror.     In  the  short 
space  of  nineteen  days,  he  had  with  the  assistance  of 
his  Parliament,  settled  the  public  business  of  the  Pro- 
vince, under  the  most  trying  circumstances  that  a  com- 
mander could  encounter,  and  having  united  and  pre- 
pared his  little  army,  had  effected  a  long  and  fatiguing 
march  of  some  hundred  miles  ;  and  with  means  incredi- 
bly limited,  had  repelled  an  invading  enemy  of  double 
his  force,  pursued  him  into  his  own  territory,and  finally 
compelled  him  to  surrender  his  whok  army;  thus  ex- 
tending the  British  dominion  without  bloodshed,  over 
an  extent  of  territory  almost  equal  to  Upper  Canada. 
The  humbled,  the  fallen  General  Hull,  with  the  officers 
and  men  of  his  army,  were  introduced  into  Montreal, 
on  the  evening  of  the  6th  September,  in  a  triumphal 
though  mock  procession,  amidst  the  shouts  of  a  scorn- 
ful multitude,  indignant  at  the  savage  threat  of  exter- 
mination he  had  breathed  in  his  proclamation  at  the 
outset  of  his  invasion.     Thp  CntnmnnA^t^  /^r*i.«  ^^..^^^ 
however,  received  him  with^  every  mark  of  attention 
due  to  his  rank,  and  unsolicited,  allowed  him  to  return 


n 


ADMINISTRATION   OP 


[1812 


to  the  States  upon  hk  parole ;  but  his  officers  with  few 
exceptions,  were  sent  to  t^uebeci  ' 

Owr  little  navy  on  lake  Erie,  and  on  lake  Ontario, 
though  the  enemy  were  making  the  most  active  exer- 
fioris;  still  maintained  a  decided  ascendency,  and  upon 
it  depended  the  suft?ty  of  Upper  Canada,  and  the  fu- 
.  ture  fate  of  the  British  Provinces.  General  Brock  in- 
tended to  have  followed  Up  his  first  success  by  an  at- 
tempt on  Niagara,  ^  fort  nearly  opposite  to  Fort 
George ;  which  in  all  probability,  as  weU  as  Oswego 
and  Sackett's  Harbor,  the  nursery  of  the  enemy's  fleet 
and  forces,  would  have  yielded  to  the  terror  of  his  name 
and  the  tide  of  success  that  attended  his  arms ;  but 
controuled  by  his  instructions,  he  was  prevented  from 
adopting  measures,  which  probably,  might  have  for 
ever  blasted  the  liopes  of  America  in  the  Upper  Province. 

The  Commainder  of  the  British  forces,  conscious  of 
the  inferiority  of  his  strength,  and  uncertain  of  rein- 
forcements from  hpme,  seemed  to  have  adopted  a  de- 
fensive system,  rather  than  incur  the  risk  of  wasting 
bisi  army  in  haxardous  enterpris!  s,  which  in  case  of 
faJtare  might  lea<i  to  disasters  ruinous  to  the  Provinces 
entrusted  to  his  charge.  Forbearance  towards  Ame- 
rica^ibad  long  been  the  known  anr^  favorite  policy  of 
Great^Britain^  and  there  is  cause  to  believe  that  Sir 
George  Prevost  acted  in  the  present  instance,  pursuant 
to  directions  from  his  Majesty's  government,  which  in 
the  hopes  .of  a  speedy  termination  of  the  difierences 
with- iAmerica^  studied  by  temporizio:^,  to  avoid  mea- 
sures tending  to  widen  the  breach,  or  give  room  to  the 
Anierkim- jpeoplfi  to  em-biu-li  ill  the  quarrel  of  their 
government. 


[1812     I    18121 


SIR   OEOROE    PREVOST. 


75 


Major  General  Dearborn,  Con)man(ltr  in  Chief  of 
the  Forces  of  the  United  States,  had  soon  after  the 
eomniencement  of  hostilities  fixed  his  head  quarters  at 
Greenbush  near  Albany,  uhich  was  converted  into  a 
military  depot,  with  a  view  of  collecting  an  army  to 
overawe  Lower-Canaxla,and  by  preventing  succours^o 
the  upper  province,  afford  General  Hull  a  facility  in 
ins  accomplishment  of  the  conquest  of  that  province. 
Here,  he  received  towards  the  end  of  July  or  in  the 
commencement  of  August,  despatches  from  Sir  George 
Prevost,  by  the  Adjutant  General,  Colonel  Baynes, 
bearnjg  a  flag  of  truce,  notifying  the  repeal  of  the  Or- 
ders in  Council  transmitted  from  Hallifax  by  Mr.  Fos- 
ter the  late  Minister  in  America.    A  proposition  ac- 
companying these,  of  the  propriety  of  suspending  hos- 
tilities, until  the  pleasure  of  the  President  of  the  Uni- 
ted States  should  be  known,  was  submitted  to  the 
American  General,  under  the  hopes  that  this  concilia- 
tory measure,  removing  the  alledged  principal  ground 
of  difference  between  the  two  nations,  would  be  met  by 
a  corresponding  disposition  on  the  part  of  the  Ameri- 
can government.     General  Dearborn  readily  consent- 
ed to  an  Armistice,   (except  as  to  General  Hull,  who,;: 
he  said  acted  under  the  immediate  directions  of  the  Se-i 
cretary  at  War,)  and  forwai^ded  the  despatches  to  his^ 
government,  which  misconstruing  this  friendly  proffer, 
into  weakness,  or  a  sense  of  danger  on  the  part  of  the 
British  Commander,  and  pi'obably  flashed  with  the 
prospect  of  subjugating  Upper  Canada,  refused  to  ra- 
tify the  Armistice.    Messengers  had  in  the  mean  time 
been  despatched  to  Upper  Canada  to  inform  General 
Brock  of  the  provisional  Armistice  asrreftd  !i»?o?i  be=^ 
tween  the  British  and  American  Commanders,  butth^ 


n 


ADMINISTBATION    OT 


[1812 


promptitude  of  that  officer  had  secured  Detroit  before 
tl»eir  arrival.* 

•  Gen«ral  Hull  wa.-.  som«  morfhs  after  his  return  to  the  United 
States,  and  ftft«r  haVhig  bet  n  ■  »'gularly  exchanged,  tried  by  a  general 
court  iniM:liaI  for  hi:i  misconduct  in  this  campaign.  He  was  found  guil- 
ty and  pcntenced  to  be  shot,  but  being  recontinended  on  account  of  his 
seVvices  in  the  revolutionary  war,  he  was  pardoned  by  the  President 
6f  the  United  States. 


CHAPTER  IV. 


.■>  v!f|i.ii'>iriO' 


''■sf{,W   'th'^'^  Pnc*ri   iml'f^  i«   ifiiii  ^3^^^ 

Various  occurrences.  Battle  of  Queenstown.  Death  of  Gen.  Br»ck 
'  His  Character.  General  Sheaffe  assumesthe  Command  in  Upper-Ca- 
2"  nadft.  Attack  at  St.  Regis.  Advance  of  the  American  array  under 
.'/Gdneral  Dearborn.  Incursion  of  the  enemy  at  i>i  Cole.  General 
Sm3rth's  attempt  to  invade  Upper-Canada.  Meeting  of  the  Provin- 
cial Parliament.    Proceedings  of  the  Assembly.    Prorogation. 


••>0r.':'Sl03  ■J'-'^  "  7  u»i' 


*HE  American  government,  chagrined  with  disap- 
pointment and  the  disgrace  of  the  late  campaign, 
■which,  even  in  their  own  estimation,  had  obliterated 
the  glories  of  the  revolutionary  war,  resolved  to  strain 
every  sinew  (o  retrieve  the  faded  lustre  of  their  arms. 
The  capture  of  the  Guerrier  by  the  United  States  fri- 
gate Constitution,  a  ship  far  superior  to  the  former^  in 
tonnage)  wejg^it  of  metal,  and  the  number  qfher  men, 
aflorded  some  solace  to  their  wouoded  nrida.  The 
American  forces  on  the  confines  of  Lower  Canada,  un> 


[1312 
oit  before 


I  the  United 
by  a  general 
8  foil  M  J  guiU 
ucount  of  his 
10  President 


SI*  OEOiwsg  i»ttfr^s^. 


ii 


ldi.ii'>iriO' 

Gen.  Brock 
in  Upper-Ca- 
artuy  under 
)le.    General 

the  Provin- 
igation. 


/ith  disap- 
campalgn, 
obliterated 
d  to  strain 
heir  arms. 
States  fri' 
former,  in 
f  her  men, 
ide.  The 
loada,  u»> 


1812] 

Otr  thie  iramediaite  command  of  General  DetiVbortlW^^g 
increasing  rapidly,  and  threatened  Montreal  Avith  irtP 
vasJon  by  St.  John's  and  the  Odletown  road.  Their 
force  aV  Niagara,  and  om  the  Niagara  frontier  undw 
Brigadier  General  Van  Reacslaer,  was  ab-eady  for- 
mWable,  and  iaflbrded  ^ood  ^airtids  of  appreheteb 
to  Oeheral  Brock  of  a  speedy  irruption  froui  that  quar- 
ter; while  General  Harrison  was  actively  employed  in 
collecting  an  army  at  the  River  Raisin  near  Detroit, 
from  the  Ohio,  and  ne  State  of  Kentucky.  The  na- 
val establishment  at  Sacket*s  Harbour  in  the  mean  time 
increased  with  prodigious  celerity,  and  the  ascenden- 
cy of  their  fleet  on  lake  Ontario  was,  by  the  indefatiga- 
ble exertions  of  Commodore  Chauncey,  now  almost  in- 
contestibly  established.  iliO 

It  was,  as  yet  uncertain  at  what  point  their  main 
fbrc^wot|ld  be  directed ;  or  whether  ihelr  object  was 
hS  <^^P^mAmynmmo  overwhelw  both  provinces 
at.tfUe  same  instaijt»5,TlK?slieweyIegiwis  they  bad  as- 
sembled, ^te  howevfer^ father  aisdaift^d  thaii  Srea^ed 
by  the  British  forces,  who  were  supported  by  a  Wave 
and  loyal  militia,  animated  to  enthusiasm  in  the  cause 
in  which  they  were  engaged,  while  the  Americans,averse 
'^y -Education,  and  their  independent  habits  of  life,  to 
the.*Wholesom^  cdostraints  of  J^  and  t|ie  sub- 

ordinatwji  of  ^  ^amp,  <^M  Jjar^fe^l^e  (^ 
tHe  semblance  of  ar  army,  which  rtpthing,  b^t  ih?  aj- 

rev( 

"  A<^©di»^d!i  \<^as  Ibrmed  aloii^^e  MiiUW^itoWtr 

CMnam\  froi«r  Yamask^tb  St.  ReM:  wM^^lim^'^ 

s^paratlbh  b^rw^en  theVtnt^  Sm^ M%(i^v^liM, 

rm^\6mih$^^e  St;  l^^Wffeneei'cdnsiitl^o?  tiffi^. 

7 


u 


ADM11I16TAAT10N  OF 


[1812 


m 


nadian  Voltigeurs,  and  part  of  the  embodied  militia. 
Aligliit  brigade  of  the  elite  of  tiie  forces,  regular  and 
militia*,,  was.  formed  at  Blairfinde,  under  the  command 
of  Lieut.  CoL  young,  of  the  8th  regt.  consisting  of  the 
flank  companies  of  the  8th,  100th,  103d  Regiments, 
with  the  Canadian  Fencibles,  the  flank  companies  of 
the  1st  battalion  of  embodied  militia,  and  a  small  bri- 
gade of  the  Royal  Artillery,  with  six  field  pieces. 

The  road  to  the  United  States,  from  the  camp  of 
Blairfinde  (or  I'Acadie)  through  Burtonville  and  Odle- 
town,  was  cut  up,  and  rendered  impracticable  by  ab- 
batis,  and  every  precaution  was  taken  to  prevent  a 
sudden  irruption  oi^the  enemy  from  that  quarter.  The 
Voltigeurs,  with  cxtroardinary  perseverance,  effected 
this  fatiguing  duty  in  the  course  of  a  very  short  time, 
under  the  superintendance  of  their  commanding  officer 
Major  De  Salaberry.  .:    .  . 

The  slender  reinforcements  thajt  arfW^^  tJ^^s  summer, 
were  barely  swffici^o;^t9  r^liyes(p  ^e  ,^ti?i^^  ^'^^VJ^.W 
for  a  short  time  from  garriso^^x  fjuty;.,  They  consisted 
of  the  103d  Regiment  from  ^gland,  and  a  battalion 
of  the  1st  (or  Royal  Scots)  from  thp  West-Indies,  with 
a  few  recruits  for  other  regiments  ;  an|d  it  was  evident 
that  the  mother  country,  unable  at  the  present  9ipwif^,»t 
to  supply  the  necessary  aid  for  the  defence  (^fjhese 
provinces,  committed  their  destiny  to  the  ioys^Ity^.^ibd 
patriotism  of  the  Canadian  population^  -hi 

In  September,  fuiotlier  battalion  of  tbe  ipilitia  was 
embodie4  ,pripiqip4^]  fippjqj  th^  Montreal  m^ilitiar  ^"^ 
placed  unde^ !tlj^,i:;QmpanflH[>f.  lleut.^cpj^,  ^fp^rra^^a^^ 

called,  tU^,  ?Viiv*?^^"^M%?^^^ 

suers.)    The  North-West  Company' raised  a  corps  of 


1  militia, 
ular  and 
ommand 
ng  of  the 
igiments, 
panics  of 
mall  bri- 
:es. 

camp  of 
md  Odle- 
le  by  ab- 
)revent  a 
ter.  The 
,  effected 
lort  time, 
ng  officer 


s  summer, 
)f  Qijebec 
consisted 
battalion 
idies,  with 
as  evident 
it  nipment 

yajUy,.^d 

'  ii'ji  ■ 

liOitia  was 
ilitia,  and 
rray,  and 

a  corps  01 


1812] 


SIR   GEORGE   PREVOST. 


Voyageurs,  which  was  disbanded  in  the  ensuing  spring, 
while  the  merchants  and  tradesmen  of  the  Ist  battalion 
of  Montreal  sedentary  mllhia,  in  order  to  avoid  the 
rigour  of  the  militia  laws,  which  admitted  of  no  sub- 
stitutes, organized  themselves  into  four  companies  of 
volunteers  for  garrison  duty  and  field  service  in  case 
of  emergency.         mUiu  ^  ij/kUhI  ^iIj 

From  the  capture  of  Detroit  and  the  American  army 
under  General  Hull,  we  have  nothing  of  any  import- 
ance to  relate  until  the  battle  of  Queenstown.  The 
predatory  incursions  of  the  enemy  io  the  mean  timej 
deserve  to  be  noticed.  '»    "-»  ,cu»it 

On  the  sixteenth  of  September,    a  brigade  of  bat- 
leaux  loaded  with  stores,  and  about  one  huad,red  and 
tliirty  eight  troops,  under   the   command   of  Major 
Heathcoat  of  the  Royal  Newfoundland  Fencibles,  wei^ 
surprized   and  nearly  taken   by  a  partj?^  of  five  hun- 
dred Americans,  at  Matilda,  hi  their  route  to  Upper 
Canada.     The  enemy  having  crossed  over  before  day 
light  in  the  morning  frohi  (fhe  American  side,  effected 
a  landing  unperceived  tipoii  a  small  island  at  a  little 
distance   from    tlie    British    slrore.     They   concealed 
themselves  in  the  bushes,  and  sent  a  party  to  Secure  a 
man  by  the  name  of  Totissaint,    the  oinly  itih^bPtant 
upon  thelslatid.     Early  in  the  morning,  the  batteaux 
were  seen  advancing,  and  in  the  eagerness  of  t!te  A- 
mericans  to  obset^e  them,  through  a^rdkert  glass  in 
his  hut,  Toussaint  stole  out   and  reaching  the  shore 
got  into  his  cailoe  unobserved: ^^ The  Atnei'fcatis  tipon 
discovering  his  escape /fired' up6'n'him/'wl^le 'h^,  ^bjr 
shouting  and  making  sigHal^i  apprfSed'thfe  tifteaJtliJ-b 
their  dangtr,  whidi  then  jprrecipqtatePy  ma(?e  1br  ttie 


u-^i 


80  ADMINISTRATION   OF  [1812 

shore.  A  gun  boat  which  escorted  this  party,  imme- 
.;4i^e})^  dropped  dowii  from  behind  the  Island  and 
fl|)^)|e4  a  Jam  t  upon  tb«i49atteaux,  while  two  large 
bp^S;  loaded  with  troops  were  seen  crossing  from  the 
VVfP^i^AP  shore,  amd  making  ^or  the  upper  end  of  the 
CJhlinp^i  between  the  Island  and  the  British  shore, 
\vj^h  a,  view  of  taking  the  British  batteaux  in  flank, 
yb^y  proceeded  without  interruption  until  upom  enter- 
ing tli^  <(;haanelf  when  a  body  of  militia  under  Captain 
Ault,  opened  a  most  destructive  fire  upon  them.  One 
fled  for  shelter  behind  the  Island,  while  the  other 
made  for  its  shore,  and  abandoned  the  boat  with  pre- 
cipitancy leaving  a  number  of  killed  and  wounded. 
They  kept  up  a  brisk  fire  from  the  Island  under  cover 
of  the  bushes,  but  upon  the  arrival  of  a  reinforcement 
of  militia  from  a  neighbouring  township,  under  captain 
Munroe,  they  retired  from  the  Island  with  considera- 
ble loss,  (exaggerated  by  some  statements  to  fifty  seven 
killed)  and  returned  to  their  own  shore,  having  com- 
pletely failed  in  their  enterprise. 

'c-'i'jbiii' 
A  party  of  one  hundred  and  fifty  Americans  under 

Captain  Forsyth,  near  the  same  time  crossed  over 
from  Gravelly  Point  to  Gananoque,  some  miles  below 
Kingston,  from  whence  they  dislodged  a  party  of  fifty 
militia,  and  took  possession  of  a  quantify  of  arms  and 
ammunition,  which  they  carried  away  after  burning  the 
Store  and  a  small  quantity  of  provisions.  Their  con- 
duct is  represented  to  have  been  disgraceful  towards 
the  defenceless  inhabitants,  whom  they  were  prevented 
by  the  officers  from  plundering,  after  some  difliculty. 
Four  men  found  in  the  hospital,  and  a  Dragoon  inter- 
cepted by  them  on  his  way  to  Kingston  to  give  notice 
of  their  approach,  were  made  prisoners  and  carried 
away  by  this  party. 


[1812 

•ty,  imme- 
sland  and 
two  large 
^  from  the 
end  of  the 
;ish  shore, 
I  in  flank, 
pom  enter- 
ir  Captain 
lem.  One 
the  other 
with  pre- 
woundec). 
ider  cover 
iforcement 
kr  captain 
considera- 
fifty  seven 
\'mg  com- 


:ans  under 
)ssed  over 
liles  below 
rty  of  fifty 
f  arms  and 
>urning  the 
rheir  con- 
iil  towards 
prevented 
I  difliculty. 
foon  inter- 
^ive  notice 
nd  carried 


•hiiTSrAihUU 
SIR    GEORGE  PREVOST. 


1812J  SIR    GEORGE  PREVOST.  ftj 

From  the  frequent  interruption  of  the  cdftVo'yVfi-btn 
Montreal,  or  rather  Lachine,  to  Kingston^  iA- tJ)*per 
Canada,  by  the  Americans  at  Ogdensbur^h,  6pj>ddite 
Prescot  ;    Col.  Lcthbridge   commanding'  the  4tttt^, 
formed  the  design  of  dislodging  the  enem]^and  pd^ies^ 
ing  himself  of  Ogdensburgh.    With  ai'vie^  to  effect 
his  purpose,  he  assembled  a  force  of  seven' hundred  and 
fifty  men,  regulars  and  militia,  and  having  collected  a 
sufficient  number  of  batteaux,  he  pushed ofl^  in  the  fore- 
noon of  the  4th  of  October,  under  cover  of  a  cannon- 
ade from  Prescot,    with  twenty-five  batteaux  escorted 
by  two  gun   boats.     They  advanced  without  opposi- 
tion, until  mid-chaanel,  when  the  enemy  opened  a  tre- 
mendous discharge  of  artillery,  wliich  checked  their 
progress.     A  confusion  immediately  ensued,  and  they 
were  compelled  to  make  a  precipitate  retreat,  with  the 
loss  of  three  men  killed  and  four  wounded.  The  Ame- 
ricans were  commanded  by  Brigadier  General  Brown, 
and  are  said  to  have  behaved  with  much  coolness  and 
intrepidity.    This  enterprise,  undertaken  without  the 
sanction  of  the  commander  of  the  forces,  was  censured: 
by  him  ;  and  the  public  opinion  condemned  it  as  rash: 
and  premature. 

Gn  the  9th  of  October,  the  armed  brig  Detroit,  re- 
cently taken  at  Detroit,  and  the  brig  Caledonia  with 
a  quantity  of  Furs  belonging  to  the  North-West  Com- 
pany, having  arrived  the  preceding  day  from  De- 
troit with  prisoners,  were  boarded  opposite  Fort  Erie 
before  tlie  dawn  of  day  by  a  party  of  upwards  of  two 
hunp-ed  Americans  in  boats  nianned  T?y  seamen. 
They  succeeded  in  cu'tting  th'e  cable's,  and 'the  vessels 
drifted  towards  ffie'lnrerican' Shore.     The  Cale^6niai 

7  ^ 


m 


82 


ADMINISTRATION  OP 


[1812 


ft* 


f   ',.,! 


Island  a  small  distance  from  the  American  side.  The 
crew  after  a  severe  contest  being  made  prisoners,  a 
pa»  tv  of  men  from  Fort  Erie  succeeded  in  boarding 
and  dismantling  her  in  a  fog,  under  a  warm  fire  of  the 
enemy,  and  at  about  ten  at  night  she  was  blown  up. 
Some  lives  were  lost  upon  this  occasion  ;  among  the 
Americans  a  Major  Cuyler,  who  was  killed  by  a  shot 
from  Fort  Erie,  as  he  was  riding  along  the  beach  on 
the  opposite  side  of  the  river. 

General  Brock,  who,  with  unwearied  diligence  had 
watched  the  motions  of  the  American  army  upon  the 
Niagara  frontier,  commanded  by  Major  General  Van 
Rensselaer,  was  convinced  from  the  movements  he  had 
observed  on  tlie  American  shore,  that  an  invasion  was 
preiBeditated,  and  kept  his  little  army  upon  the  alert. 
On  the  fourth  of  October  an  American  spy  was  sent 
orer  to  the  British  side,  who  returned  with  information 
to  thv  American  General,  that  General  Brock  had 
moved  on  to  Detroit  with  all  the  force  that  could  be 
spared.  Encouraged  by  this  false  news,  every  pre- 
paration was  taken  for  a  descent  upon  Queenstown, 
on  the  morning  of  the  eleventh  '.  their  forces  were  con- 
centrated at  licwistown,  opposite  Queenstown,  with  a 
view  of  making  a»  immediate  attack  upon  the  latter ; 
but  through  the  neglect  or  cowardice  of  the  officer 
entrusted  with  preparing  and  conducting  the  boats 
to  the  place  of  embarkation,  the  attack  miscar- 
ried. Early  in  the  morning  of  the  13th,  their  forces 
■were  again  concentrated  at  Lewistown,  and  the  troops 
embarked  under  cover  of  a  commanding  battery  of  two 
eighteen  and  two  six  pounders.  This  movement  being 
soo!i  diticovered,  a  brisk  fire  was  opened  upon  them 
from  the  British  shore,  bv  the  troops,  and  from  three 


leiarj 


Sm  GH0B6E  FBETDST. 


BSi 


batteries.     The  Americans  commenccfl  1^  'cann6ttaj|^ 
to  sweep  the  shore,  but  with  little  effeeti     The  tfirstdii^ 
vision  under  Colonel  Van  Rensselaer^  effected  their 
landing  unobserved  under  the  heights  a Jittle  abbve 
Battle   of   Qoeenstown,  and  mounting  the  ^cen*  iwitk 
Queenatown.   firmness  aad  alacrity,  att^clccd  and  carried 
an  eighteen  pounder  battery,  and  dislodged  the  Bght 
company  of  the  49th  regiment.     The  enemy  were  in 
the  mean  time  pushing  over  in  boats,  and  notvrithstand- 
ing  the  current  and  eddies,  which  in  this  part  of  the 
river  are  numerous  and  rapid,  and  a  tremendous  dis- 
charge of  artillery,  which  shatteredmany  of  tj^eir  boats, 
persevered  with  dauntless  resolution,  and  efiected  a 
landing  close  upon  Queenstown,  where  they  w^re  c^ 
posed  by  the  grenadiers  of  the  49th  regiraenl,  and  the 
York  Volunteer  Militia^  with  a  determinatian  verging 
upon  desperation.  The  carnage  became  terrible,  iTbe 
British  being  overwhelmed  with  numbers,  were  com-r 
pelled  to  retire  some  distance,  into  a  hollow.     General 
Brock  having  heard  the  cannonade,  arrived  at  that 
moment,  with  his  Provincial  Aide-de-camp  Lieut.  Col. 
M'Donell  from  Niagara  (at  the  grey  of  the  morning,) 
and  having  rallied  the  grenadiers  of  his  favorite  49th, 
Death  of  Ge-  was  leading  them  on  to  the  charge,  when  he 
neral  Brock,     ^ec  si  ved  a  musket  bait  in  his  breast,  which 
almost  immediately  terminated  his  existence.     The  on- 
ly words  he  uttered  were  "  push  on  the  brave  York 
Volunteers^'*  when  he  fell  from  his  horse,  and  his  corpse 
remained  for  some  time  in  the  power  of  the  enemy. 
In  the  interim,  the  light  company  supported  by  a  party 
of  the  Yorkers  rallied,  and  re-ascended  to  dislodge 
the  enemy  from  the  heights.  They  formed  and  advanc- 
ed to  the  charge  exposed  to  a  smart  fire,  but  finding 
the  enemy  posted   behind  trees,  so  that  a   chare-O: 


tf-i- 


ADMINISTRATION    OP 


[1812 


■ ;  i" 


could  have  little  effect,  they  desisted,  and  separating, 
posted  themselves  in  like  maimer,  and  kept  up  a  smart 
fire  for  some  time.  Lieut.  Colonel  M'Donell  who 
Lad  joined  them  w  hile  forming  for  the  charge,  and  was 
encouraging  tlie  men,  received  a  ball  in  his  back,  as 
his  horse,  which  had  been  wounded,  was  in  the  act  of 
wheeling.  He  survived  his  wound  twenty  four  hours 
in  the  most  excruciating  pain.  The  Americans  hav- 
ing effected  their  landing  with  an  overwhelming  force, 
the  British  were  obliged  to  give  way,  and  suspend  the 
fight  until  the  arrival  of  reinforcements,  leaving  the 
Americans  in  possession  of  the  heights.  General 
Sheaffe  soon  came  up  with  a  reinforcement  of  three 
hundred  men  of  the  41st  regiment,  two  companies  of 
Militia,  and  two  hundred  and  fifty  Indians.  Rein- 
forcements having  also  arrived  from  Chippawa,the  Bri- 
tish General  collected  his  whole  force  amounting  to 
upwards  of  eight  hundred  men,  and  leaving  two  field 
pieces  with  about  thirty  men  under  Lieut.  Holcroft  of 
the  Royal  Artillery  in  front  of  Queenstown,  as  a  check 
to  prevent  the  enemy  from  occupying  the  village,  pro- 
ceeded by  a  circuitous  route  to  gain  the  rear  of  the 
heights  upon  vvliich  the  enemy  were  posted.  The  In- 
dians being  more  alertjthan  the  troops,  first  surmount- 
ed the  hill,  and  commenced  the  attack,  but  were  repuls- 
ed and  fell  back  on  the  main  body,  who  formed  with 
celerity,  and  upon  the  word,  advanced  to  the  charge 
under  a  heavy  shower  of  musketry.  The  British  sat 
up  a  shout,  accompanied  with  the  war-whoop  of  the 
Indians,  and  advanced  at  the  double  quick  or  running 
pace,  when  the  Americans,  struck  with  terror,  gave 
way  and  fled  in  all  directions,  some  concealing  them- 
selves in  the  bushes,  others  precipitating  themselves 
down  the  orecipice  v/ere  killed  by  the  fall,  or  drowned 


ana 


812 


separating, 
up  a  smart 
•onell  who 
e,  and  was 
is  back,  as 
the  act  of 
four  hours 
•icans  hav- 
iiing  force, 
uspend  the 
eaving  the 
General 
it  of  three 
iipanies  of 
ns.  Rein- 
va,the  Bri- 
lounting  to 
g  two  field 
[iolcroft  of 
as  a  check 
ill  age,  pro- 
ear  of  the 
.  The  In- 
surmount- 
'ere  repuls* 
)rmed  with 
the  charge 
British  sat 
Dop  of  the 
or  running 
Tror,  gave 
iling  them- 
themselves 
dv  drowned 


1812] 


Sm    GEORGE    PREVOST. 


85 


in  the  attempt  to  swim  the  river.    A  terrible  slaughter 
ensued,  by  the  Indians,  whose  vengeance  it  was  impos- 
sible to  restrain,  until  a  white  flag  was  observed  as- 
cending the  hill  with  offers  of  an  unconditional  surren- 
der which  were  accepted.  An  armistice  of  three  days  was 
proposed  by  the  American  and  granted  by  the  British 
General,  in  order  to  take  care  of  their  wounded  and 
bury  their  dead,  on  condition  of  destroying  their  bat- 
teaux,  which  was  immediately  complied  with.     One 
General  Officer  (Wadsworth)  two  L'-euh  Colonels,  fiv€ 
Majors,  a  multitude  of  Captains  and  Subalterns,  with 
nine  hundred  men,  one  field  piece,  and  a  stand  of  Cq- 
lours,  were  the  fruits  of  this  important  victory;  and  it 
is  computed  that  the  enemy  must  have  lost  in  killed, 
wounded,  missing  and  prisoners,  upwards  of  fifteen 
hundred  men.     The  action  lasted  from  four  in  the 
morning  until  near  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  and 
though  vanquished,-  the  obstinacy  with  which  they  con- 
tested the  honor  of  the  day,  reflects  credit  upon  the 
enemy.     General  Van  Rensselaer,  before  the  arrival 
of  the  reinforcements  from  Niagara-  under  General 
Sheafle,  finding  the  fate  of  the  day  still  undetermined, 
his  troops  almost  exhausted  with  fatigue,  and  falling 
short  of  ammunition,  had  returned  to  the  American 
shore,  to  urge  across  a  reinforcement  from  the  embodied 
militia,  but  they,  notwithstanding  every  menace,  and 
entreaty  on  his  part,  unanimously  refused.     In  this  di- 
lemma he  wrote  a  note  to  General  Wadsworth,  v%ho 
remained  with   the   Am»  r=  ans   on   the    Queenstown 
heights,  informing  h\ni  of  ihe  situation  of  things,  and 
leaving  the  course  to  ^»«  pursued,  much  to  his  own 
judgment ;  assuring  him  if  he  thought  best  to  retreat, 
iie  would  send  as  many  boats  as  he  could  command, 
and  cover  iim  retreat  by  every  fire  he   could   make. 


86 


ADMINISTRATION   OP 


[1813 


^X 


'* 


But  before  the  latter  had  time  to  resolve  upon  any 
mode  of  security  or  retreat,  the  spirited  advance  of  the 
British  had  decided  the  fate  of  the  day.  The  British 
at  Fort  Erie  under  the  command  of  Lieut.  Col.  Myers, 
silenced  the  enemy's  fire  at  Black  Rock,  and  blew  up 
a  barrack  with  a  con5iderable  depot  of  ammunition. 
The  Caledonia  lately  captured  by  the  enemy  was  al- 
mpst  destroyed  at  her  moorings.  A  well  directed  fire 
from  Fort  George  also  silenced  the  enemy's  Batteries 
on  the  otlier  side  of  the  river,  from  whence  they  fired 
red  hot  shot  upon  the  wooden  buildings  in  the  neigh- 
borhood of  Fort  George. 


CMliS'- 


"TjT  \  /•;  r 


:*Thus  ended,  in  their  total  discomfiture,  the  second 
ttempt  of  the  Americans  to  invade  Upper-Canada. 
The  loss  of  the  British  4s  said  to  have  been  about 
twenty  killed  including  Indians,  and  between  fifty  and 
sixty  wounded.  The  fall  of  General  Brock  the  idol  of 
the  army,  and  of  the  people  of  Upper-Canada,  was 
an^irreparable  loss,  and  cast  a  shade  over  the  glory 
of  this  dear-bought  victory.  He  was  a  native  of  Guern- 
sey of  an  ancient  and  reputable  family  distinguished 
in  the  profession  of  arms.  He  had  served  for  many 
years  in  Canada,  and  in  some  of  the  principal  cam- 
paigns in  Europe.  He  commanded  a  detachment  of 
his  favourite  49th  Regiment,  on  the  expedition  to  Co- 
penhagen with  Lord  Nelson,  where  he  distinguished 
himself.  He  was  one  of  those  extraordinary  men  who 
seem  born  to  influence  mankind,  and  mark  the  age  in 
which  they  live.  Corscious  of  the  ascendency  of  liis 
genius  over  those  who  surrounded  him,  he  blended  the 
mildest  of  manners,  with  the  severity  and  discipline  of 
a  camp,   and  though  his  deportment   was  somewhat 


[1813  I  1S12] 


SIR  GEORGE   PREVOST. 


9T 


re  upon  any 
Ivaiice  of  the 
The  British 
Col.  Myers, 
and  blew  up 
ammunition, 
lemy  was  al- 
directed  fire 
^^'s  Batteries 
ce  they  fired 
in  the  neigh- 


,  the  second 
per-Canada. 
been  about 
een  fifty  and 
k  the  idol  of 
IJanada,  was 
:r  the  glory 
/e  of  Guern- 
listinguished 
d  for  many 
ncipal  cam- 
:achment  of 
ition  to  Co- 
istinguished 
try  men  who 
k  the  age  in 
Icncy  of  Ills 
blended  the 
discipline  of 
IS  somewhat 


ter  imparted  at  once  confidence  and  respect  to  tho^e 
vvho  had  occasion  to  approach  his  person.     As  a  sol., 
dierhe  was  brave  to  a  fault,  and  not  less  judicious  than 
decisive  in  his  measures.     The  energy  of  his  character 
was  strongly  expressed  in  his  countenance,  and  in  the 
robust  and  manly  symmetry  of  his  frame.     As  a  Civil 
Governor    he  was  firm,  prudent  and  equitable.     In 
fine,  whether  we  view  him  as  a  Man,  a  Statesman  or 
a  i5oIdier,  he  equally  deserves  the  esteem  and  respect 
of  his  contemporaries  and  of  posterity.     The  Indians, 
who  flocked  to  his  standard,  were  attached  to  him  with 
almost  enthusiastic  affection,  and  the  enemy  even  ex^ 
pressed  an  involuntary  regret  at  his  untimely  fall.  His 
prodigality  of  life,  bereft  the  country  of  his  services  at 
the  early  age  of  forty-two  years.     The  remains  of  this 
gallant  Qfiicer,  were,  during  the  funeral  service,  hon- 
ored with  a  discharge  of  minute  guns  from  the  Ameri- 
can as  well  as  British  batteries,  and  with  those  of  his 
faithful  Aid-de-Camp  Lieut.  Col.  M'Donell,   were  in- 
terred ia„tbe.ame  grave  at  Fort  George,  on  the  IBt-h 
October,  amidsl  the  tears  of  an  affectionate  soldiery 
and  a  grateful  people,   who  will,  dierish  his  memory 
with  veneration,  and  hand  to  their  posterity  the  imner- 
isliable  name  of  BROCK.  .gj^.,^ 

The  civil  dfid  mlKtaFy  commands  fn  Upper-Canada 
now  devolved  upon  Major  General  Sheaffe,  a  friend 
and  fellow  soldier  of  his  illustrious  predecessor.  He 
paroled  General  Wadsworth  and  some  of  the  princi- 
pal ofiicers^j  the  remainder  were  sent  to  Quebec. 

Among  the  American  prisoners,  twenty-three  men 
were  found,  who  having  declared  themselves  British 
horn  subjects  were  sent  to  England  for  trial  ay  traitors. 
'  tiis  Qttvc  uccusiou  lu  tP^rtiittie  lipoii  liriiish  prisoners 


"«V 


i 


m 


9$ 


r^^Jk^P^l^mhl^lOfi     OOP 


itl8i2 


i^,Apieric5i,  and  a,  lik«  wiimber  <>i:.tb«  latter  wei^  put 
int^^c^pge  cpttftneinettt.as  jtipp^es  fori  the  safety  of  the 
traitors,  by  Qrder  of  the  Aroerijcaa  Government.  This 
circumstance  led  to  discussion*  that  shall  be  noticed 
in  their  proper  place. 


-m 


Hi 


,  On  t,he  J8tb  of  Octo|?er,(Gen)E^^l  ^r.ytl?  ^»s«w4  ^^ 
'Sc^^raaiid  at  Niagara,  ^dappli<?fj  to.th^  Brjtish  ^^n- 
e;j-a),  for  an  Armistice, which  was-.agji^e^fi  upon, ^^p4  to 
^^iQiill'n^^  jjr^tj}  t^^^^^    honvs  after  notice  of  its  f^W.ina- 

tl^n^jqij.  liiiijoiij  ,Vy^\\  KJu  :  «bj5ruiO~'it>7/(Kno  aarinno- 

*f, On  the  23d  ofOctobn>  aparty  of  ne;3i^foji?|j  b,und- 
red  Americans  from  Plattsburgh  under^^ajo^,  jj^p^^g, 
Wrprised  the  piquet  at  the  Indian  Yijl^ag;^  of  §J.J^egis. 
ll'wenty  three  men  were  made  pris^^ners.by  dm.efl^fny, 
and  Lieut.  Rottotte  and  a  i^er^eftnt  M'^illiyray  sind 
six  fnen  were  left  dead,    'the   pi«met^  consisted  ,  of  a 
(Efetachment  of  C anadian, ,  Vf^yge^i-f .    The  Arn^rjcans 
wpUinderin^  the  Village  found  an  Ensig/a  or  Union 
Jack,  in  the  house  of  the jresident  Interpi^e^r,  qsually 
hoisted  upon  a  flag  stafl"  at  i.he  door  of  the  CJjief  on 
Sundays  or  Holy-days,  which,  said  the  Apoerican  Ma- 
jor in  an  order  issue^  upon  the  occasion,  {n9t  a  Ijttle 
proud  of  the  achievement)  iwere  iht  jir^t  colpurs  ,tok^v, 
during  the  war.    This  occurrence  was  jboweyer  ^^yn- 
terpoised  by  an  attack  upon  ,?,,jgarty  of  JVn*f:,?ticiins  at 
Salmon  river  near  St.  Regis-'^:  tfie.^d  Noyen^ber, 
by  detachments  of  the  Royal  jAriillery,  49th  regiment 
and  Glengary  Light  Infantry^  amounting  to  seventy 
men,  with  detachmeots^from  the  Cornwall  aR^  Glen- 
gai*y  Milhia  of  r«ear  ^<^  same  number,  the  yftK>le  wn- 
der  ^he  command  ot  I^eut.  Qol,  M'l^Uan,    In  this  af- 
air,  the  enemy  took  to  a  block  house,  but  finding 


I 


tt812 


er  wei^  put 

safety  of  the 

(nient.     This 

be  noticed 

$^ssupi{e4  the 
British  Cj^ii- 

its  f^ifflaina- 

1o  8onilno 
ni  nvjib  Oi 

5illi>^rAy)  aind 
)]jsisted  of  a 

ara  or  Union 
r^e^er,  qsually 
the  C^ief  on 
meyicjin  ^la- 
.  CW9^^  Jjttle 
colours ,  t,o>k0 
>wer^r  ^^yn- 
4m^j[iciins  at 

d  November, 

■  '■(■■■' 

I9th  regiment 
ig  to  seventy 
ill  s^x\<i  Glen- 
h^  :vf  bole  «n- 
I,  In  this  af- 
but   liiuling 


1812] 


SIR    GEORGE    PREVOST. 


09 


themselves  surrounded,  surrendered  themselves  pri- 
soners of  war.  One  Captain,two  Subalterns,  and  forty- 
one  men  became  prisoners  of  war,  and  four  batteaux, 
and  fifty-seven  stand  of  aiais  were  taken. 

Notwithstanding  the  vicissitudes  of  war,  and  the  in- 
ternal difficulties  with  which  the  American  government 
had   to  struggle,   the  most  active  preparations  were 
carrying  on  to  invade  the  Canadas.     Major  General 
Dearborn  was  at  the  head  of  ten  thousand  men  on  the 
confines  of  Lower-Canada  :  our  fleet,  though  superior 
to  them  in  the  spring  and  summer  on  [.ake  Ontario, 
dare  not  now  even  contest  with  the  Americans  for  the 
dominion  of  the  Lake.     General  Smjth  had  an  army 
of  six  thousand  men  on  the  Niagara  frontier,  and  Gen. 
Harrison  on  the  river  Raisin,  over-awed  Detroit  with 
his  Ohio  and  Kentucky  men.     From  these  hostile  ap- 
pearances it  was  evident  that  the  enemy  still  meditated 
a  combined  movement,  but  the  uncertainty  of  the  point 
against  which  their  main  strength  would  be  aimed, 
kept  our  army  constantly  on  the  alert.     On  the  ninth 
of  Noveraber,the  American  fleet  consisting  of  seven  sail 
of  vessels,  with  a  considerable  number  of  troops,  after 
clmsing  the  Royal  George  into  Kingston  Channel,  can- 
nonaded her  for  some  time ;  being  however,  warmly 
received  by  the  batteries  as  well  as  the  ships,  they  haul- 
ed ofl;  and  beat  up  under  a  heavy  fire  to  Four  Mile 
Point,  and  anchored,  with  a  view  of  renewing  the  at- 
tack at  a  more  favorable  opportunity.     Early  on  the 
ensuing  morning  they  got  under  way,  and  beat  out  of 
the  Channel  under  a  heavy  press  of  sail  to  the  open 
Lake,  where  they  fell  in  with  the  Governor  Simcoe, 
irom  Niagara  running  for  Kingston,  and  chased  her 

8 


I 


M  ,  .ADMINISTRATION   Of  {1812 

into  tbe  Harbour ;  5he  eiuded  their  pursuit  by  vun- 
Aing  oyer  a  reel'  of  rocks  under  a  lie.ivy  fire  from 
th^l  l^pv^rnor  Toinkini;,  the  Huaiilton,  and  Juliana, 
which  d|i4  her  some  injury.  The  weather  becoming 
boisterpusi  the  fleet  bore  away  for  Sacket's  Harbor, 
fijCt^r  having  taicen  in  their  cruise  two  Schooners,  in 
ope  !of  which  Capt.  Brock,  Paymaster  of  the  49th  r^gt. 
\\ah  made  prisoner.  He  was  paroled  by  Commodore 
Chaiunc<?y,  who  meritorously  restored  the  Plate  and 
l^^Tects  found  in  his  possession,  belonging  to  hi»<lato 
4UM^U'iQU3  relative  General  3rock.  , 

r-  Acfvancc  of      ^^^  American  forces  under  Gen.  Dear- 

GcneraiPBar-  born  in  the  mean  time  gradually  approach- 

.!q«'!'>l«n'    ed   the  frontier   of  Lower   Canada,  and 

fairly  on  the  morning  of  the  17tfc  of  November  1812, 

MnQot  (now  Lieut.  Colonel)  De  Salaberry,  Supbrin- 

-^tendant  of  the  Canadian  Voltigeurs,  commanding  the 

.cordon  and  advanced:  posts  6n  the  linei,  received  iu- 

ibrmation  at  St.  Philips,  that  the  enemy  to  the  num- 

berof  ten  thousand  were  advancing  to  Odletown.    He 

•^immediately  despatched  two  companies  of  the  Volti- 

iigeurs  under  the  command  of  capt.  Perrault  of  the  same 

ci»e^i«n.ent,   with  three  hundred  Indians  under  captain 

iiHttcbarne  of  the  Indian  Departracjnt,  to  reinforee.ina- 

i  Jor  Laforce  of  the  1st  battalion  Embodied  Mihtia,.  who 

brsra^  posted  with  the  two  flank  companies,  ctf, that  bat- 

sftalion  at  tlie  river  La  Cole*.    This  detachment,  aftj^r  a 

-jfatiguing  march  of  thirtyj-flix  miles,  chitifly  through  «ao- 

,».«*asseB  and  aA6«ft>,iarri«edfiarly  in  the  «fternooii«ofthe 

same  day  at  BuHoiiwUby  lii>dl  ibo^kiaifpcdsitionvifcitbin 

the  riverfLa  Cole,  a  mile  distant  from  it,  in  conjunction 

-fmth  a  party  ofiaboiit  thirty  Algonquin  and  At>€Daki 

£1,     _    -_j  _  ■    — " 

miiana,  uuu  a 


1  _  r 


IT* J..^^ ~    i^^JL^«  Mr.n*^ln   IV/filtTatr 


[1812 

it  by  vun- 
fire  froui 

d  Juliana, 
becoming 
s  Harbor, 
looners,  in 
49th  r€gt. 
ondinodare 
Plate  and 
to  hi»<latc- 

jren.  Dear- 
approach- 
nada,  and 
nber  1812, 
f,  Supbrin- 
landing  the 
eceived  iu- 
o  the  nuin- 
2town.  He 
;'  the  Volti- 
of  the  same 
ler  captain 
infoipe.inix- 
iillitia,,  )»'iho 
3^;ith&t  bat- 
lent,  aftj^r  a 
hrough  mo- 
trnoot}<ofthe 
ijti(mv\l^bm 
conjunction 
iid  At>€Daki 

►>iIm  TVfXfofr 


I8I23 


Stn  etOttGB  PRTSVOST. 


n 


a  geutlemfth  of  the  Norttr^West  Company*  rrt\h<»Voy^l 
genrs  corps.  Major  de  Salaberry  arrived  on  the  day 
following  with  the  remainder  oftlie  Voltigoiirs  and  the 
Voyageurs,  commanded  by  Heut.  col.  ^r•Gfllivray,  and 
four  companies  of  th^  Volunteer  Chasseurs  from  the 
parishes  of  €hateauguay,  St.  Constant,  St.  Philip  and 
TAcadie.  In  the  n^^un  time  the  enen^y  occupied  Cham- 
plain  Town,  two  or  three  miles  from  the  lines,  and  an 
earnest  invasion  was  momently  expected.  Nothing  00- 
ourred  of  any  consequence  until  the  250th  in  the  morn- 
ing, when  capt,  M'Kay,  visiting  the  piquet  betwecu 
three  and  four  o'clock,  perceived  the  enemy  fording 
the  river  La  Cole,  and  at  the  same  instant  heard  them 
cock  their  firelocks  in  the  surrounding  bushes.  He 
had  scarcely  time  to  apprise  the  picquet  under  capt. 
Bernard  Panot,  of  their  danger,  when  the  enemy,  who 
had  surrounded  the  guard-hut  on  all  sides,  discharged 
a  volley  ofmusketry  so  close  that  their  wads  sat  fire  to 
the  roof  and  consumed  llie  hut.  The  MiJitia  andln- 
dians  discharged  jtheir  pieces,  and  dashing  thi-ou^h  the 
ranks  of  the  enemy,  escaped  unhurt,  while  the  Ameri- 
cans who  had  forded  the  river  in  two  places,  mistaUing 
eacli  other  in  the  darkness  and  confusion  of' Uie  night 
for  the  enemy,  kept  up  a  brisk  fire^  for  near  half  an 
hour,  in  which  ti»ey  killed  and  wounded  several  of  their 
own  people.  After  discovering  tJluir  error tt)ey  retired 
to  Ghairtplain  Town,  leaving  five  men- wounded,  and 
three  or  four  killed,  who  were  found  by. the  Indians 
on  =the<sahfiep/day.  This  party  is  said  to  have  consist- 
ed of  fonrti^eti  hundred  men  and  a  troop  of. Dragoons, 
and  wasncommaaded  by  Coldnels  Pike  and  ClacJecft;; 
•■  :  'yio-i  ill  ,n  mor  iirt^r^i*.  oiun  a  /)iov.-  nA^r-^n  odj- 
Thfi%  kaKsveiims^W  r^Uhkt immtsibn  of- die; etoemy, 
gave'iTSom  to  expert  :anaiiiei}rnore'  vigorouirtaiteriipt 


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Corporation 


23  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


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I 


^^im^m^BMttMmH^^^&M¥iea\  mifkia,  the  flartk^om- 
panics  of  the  second  and  thii^d'batt^i^^;  e(tid'#>il*^^ 
of  militia  dr.a^ooijjs  crossed  ^he  qver  ,to  Longueil  and 

^^ap^'^iiue,  arid  the  vv^iole  tti^l^bfjpbjjt^atiop j^.t^ei4b- 

nrf^rbf  ]tfon<^eall4ia^^  rt\ov<f me^t-^<6- 

v^g,i^<!s  ife  j^bint'  of  jhv^sibri  wjfH  ^n  ^Vithusiasii^  !iin«fli>- 

^kss^tf  in  any  age  or  cdunti'y.;  General  Dearborn, 
who,  no  doabt  tvas  well  Infoi-inecfbf  ^^/Walfe  b^^fee 
public  mind  ia^  Lavv^r- Canada. at  this  crisis,  for^aw 
Irom  the  mu|tituqe  a^se^m^ed  t^^ 
and'rt^  hostile  spirit  rof  thej  Canadians,  ihe 'iriirtljess- 
jie^  of  ai\  att^npjt  to  U|v^de  Lower-Cai^a^a,,beg^^ 
withdravy  h^s^i^ckly  aiid  alrcf^dy  e'tiireebl^l4^<?st>  into 
ip^int^r.^uarter ^ jaj;  Plattsbwrg  and  Buriingtori.  Whether 

*e  ey^c  ea^e^  C9nten^>l^ted;a^;inj^^ 
intended  this  mdv;ement  as,a4ei<it  to  create  a  mvcr- 


tnili^a  w«;e  oh  the  j^7thrf9vember,  ordered  info  win- 
der quartersV    ■    '^^     .■-■''■.'",'        ,         ■■■     .  '^^  .     ■;  •'^:'  ^'"; 

'^le  armisuce  coricludei!  "(between '^teiferaf'Sriiyt^i 
and  Sheaffe  after  the  battle  of  Queeu€t0W:n  |vas  lermin- 


Vlilitikbf 

t  eytfti- 

;ueil  and 

in  .]il»8flil>- 
earborn, 

,  for^aw 

iiuilttess- 
began  to 
ost,  into 
Whether 
-pr  only 

%  CUV£f - 

tokon  the 
pprel 


frffr 

henr 


;  present 
faiDodied 
nto  wm- 


ntnns 


Jtermin- 


^1^ 


^%fi>l¥)^^^99f^ST. 


4^^n,f|jier^hiJ?^^bei^f|j^#?f(^a^rt7;^ 

on  l^e  Eri£|.  T]^  Anijerks^Sf  )4ti^I^}4(}9na^Y#|{tf 
SQjfe^/or^leian  i^ceasioii  m^t^ismi^^itMm^^^i^ 
HftmQl^Med  frO«(ifBl««k  B4>ck^(i^J»*efqi|e,Jp^rlf55M|tfir, 
«?hicto»he3ro€0»l4,not^o*fefr^il^th»veraflfe^  rfeptv  wW» 
i^infm^e  ffoijilale  mA  eTH^wmh'y  Iwdi?  a^|i;ft<]^ij:^pH?4 
ajk^lei6^re  the  i|«ff(  whicb:#|IJerwa«4«(fWI»$}ejEJl?fr^«l^'li^ 
'«;he'COinm&|id-oC;^atil^^j»4t  h^a  bno-^^oa  ?»rfrto  gsirfr.q 

attempt  to  i^.,b»d  during,,  the  ,ar|»isjtice  j?;^^?;^  l^^j^r 

'^Ir^^^^Mhl^^rP^rfrll^^P^  J^^l5>  on   M^f 

tarly  btt.tlie  mofning '^f,^^^^^^  if oy.  fte  , enemy 

eliected, a  landing:  on  the  Briiish. side  with  a  division 


ing  oi  in<?  ifcoyai  Aryjriery.  aim  Liieut. 
Lanu>nt  and  Barttey.  with  detaciini^tr  o!C'%?rl:y  a«a 
th|rty-$ye  mea  each,  of  the  49th  regiment.  .  Iiieteu« 
ants  King  f^ijd  L«amont  were* wounded,. and.iheir  men 
being  dVerwh^lined  with  numbers  gaye  way  ailer ;«pik- 
inkihp  guns;  these iwo^oMcers  with  aboiii  iinny  thrj» 
men  were  made  pris€^ers>na,se;^t  oiYer  to  the  Ai&eri- 
can  side.  Lieutenant  Bartley  m  the  mean  time  alter  a 
determined  resistance  by  which  his  force  was  redtici^ 


/ 


9 


/ 


/ 


9t4 


.TADHINISTBirriON    OF 


ihi^tt}|reatened<b)^a(tnoH^einfei^  of  the  jeneroy  upod.  Ilig 

A^pk^  idn/tiiftihiteKm  the  boaite  jwitb  tke  prisoners  and 

^t>WRtif  A^Boericwuks  las  jcoukl  crowd  int^  them,  returh- 

iiigva«ft  Oaptitin  »K!ii|g  Aid-de^Camp  to  the  American 

,(jicu[i6ralnvitii!k  ffiw  officer^  and  about  fi>rty  men^  wb6 

oa&ved  iii^h  thisi  shore  #ithe  river;  but  being  pursued 

^yiM^bl'  <)viii8by'£rbin  F<>rt  Ericvu^h&se  raadie|»nsfiMs- 

^iiiBaAfid  atftebloTesistaiiicei.)  At!  about  sev^n  p'clodk 

•hu 'i&fe;gmonDttng,  (ainiOther ;  division  of  eight^n  boat«, 

jwferst fieob^tadvaaciltiigi itQ  efiecta  landing  two  niile^ilow*- 

4ii  ^oomAhaXk)  thft IbrMien.  s  i  i jQoiomai  .Bisiiop  ihdviugluj*- 

(mika  iirjt  alarms  atoved  £tom  Chippawa,  bad  riow 

formed  a  junction  with  Major  Ormsbylfi-onL Fort  Erie, 

and  commanding  a  force  of  nearly  eleven  hundred  men, 

^tinsiirting.ra^fktachMienl*  of  the  41st,  4»fcli  and  Ko^^al 

tNejB^iovn^land  Regiments^^  a  body  ofuMilirih  uhd^ 

JtikMi,QnU^istk  afid  >MafDr  Hal^;:an^  sqme  Indiaris, 

W^t#^ foff i  Ibeueneniy  .on  .the  sbdm ;  ( Theii-.  appFciach 

IpliwfeleoaJdclwitbitbfieechefciJff/  »ij^^; steady?  kndi(ef- 

^eetuabfii?*! opMieH lupon-  theftif from;  «iu^etry  ««d  a  dx 

po»Bfder'(i^di^.t6©jooirfAiaiirf*of  Gaptaih  fiirby  6f  the 

{Bs)tj!aJ'4^ii'^')yO  ■  w^hicib} t debtroyed  stfko  of>  then*  boats, 

>^'h»fi  liieorciiMifiideii  intd)  confusion v  and-  compdied 

•thfifirlio  §?eki.«iSifeW  Id  flightw   >We>»iaeifnyi'fcma.upiaLn 

«rfWibfria^  B»ad€i7aMi4p%i3*rorthe^r»jfotecei;oti  tbeitr  own 

i^i^g^AhBii-fewer^slbufcipfeMeiving  ihosBritisl*  ihhdr»o- 

lfr>ibeU/aii4Ji«iipH]nti3d>thei<g6ns]  wl^tck  Jilid  fallfen  ihtfei 

thieii^  hinnb  jn  tJb&oiQfmtibgjitbe^  wilh  uivie^  oCfteliridg 

aiinMileltciibi)frdhi  oiHiiifirfij<  bj^r,  gaining;  ^.little '%iBi«, 

ienfebVfiinaiflfi^  f toGokitt^  diabeip  tdJsuiiinkons  /the  s«tr- 

4nBadrr  bfiFqttEri^riofav^he 'effusion  of  horoan  Wood, 

bstio  '^M^ivevieA iin  ithei ^iacDnici  Jivol*da  oif  an ;  EdigHihman 

i^i€atk&)iMdf 6i^/«^d'dilPKi^cik'ti«Kisnw^re  made  fcH* 


w 


jams 

^  upodi  hk 
ionersand 
m,  retui'h- 
Atnertcan 
men,  wbi) 
g  pursued 
idie'^riscMii- 
in  p'iclocfk 
!>^n   boat^, 

idviugup- 
•  bad  riow 
Fort  Erie, 
idred  men, 
lud  Bo^al 
[flit  uhd^ 
?  lodiaris, 
/appFciaoh 
^^  knditef- 

rby  6{the 
leir  boats, 
compdled 
fcma^jpajM; 
t!bm  ami 

lih^dfAKl- 

aUisH  iiltb 

Utle  %iBi«, 
IS  <lfaes^r- 
mn  blood, 
iigHihman 
made-  fot' 


161SJ 


'MR  ICtBORCnC  :9REirOAT. 


^ 


of  the  Ist.of  Deo^beiv  bii*vtlirioug|[i!riit»iiKln»gkiiewt 
ill  embarking  tliei# firoepsj  and  adefioienk)y:6f  pdt»^fc. 
sioiisf  t^  |]iFoj«ct  iniscarifi^.  and  *he>troo|^8  werei  od- 
dered  to  ref land  iwid  hiit  tfafemseWesifdrj  .tft0lWii?;t«». 
Murmur tanddisteoiitent  creptiiito  to Aniierfcdirieamp, 
and  (General  Smyth  was  obliged  to!  takSa  drgUt  t»ga«e 
bmself  from  the  indignation  of  Ms  /ak^aKjr^  VJiigH  fri^rfi 
deatiH'^ickness  and  defectio»,  soon  cerised  to  bet^sob- 
ject  of  apprfehenSion  to  tbti  >Driti&I*  in  t^i^  ndghbbup- 
hood.     This  was  the  teniiiftatiotn:0f  the 4bird.«tt«mirt 
t^finvadeTJppfer-Canada,  and  tbeip^sult  of/JtljefiforMh^ 
«ble  pcelp^ationjibf  theAraemaogoveimnteiit  tvtmh 
queirl-h^'i€affad^s*:.ariO  ■ioisMi'na  iiorpiii.;^:.  b'jimol 
t'^.ynilnnh.ufl  *?»ua|-,  Yh.jyy'toaytol  a  -gsiiUnnrnf^rn  but- 
>  ^TheiLegislatui-e  of  Lower*eanai[fai^seHibled<bflitbe 
Satbiof  December^    The  Qav6mor^^  iheop 011111^ '<5f 
the  Session,  expressed  his.  confideoceln  ihe  pe^p^otl* 
froits(  p^.wlipia^  loyalty  n-^cli^e  the.howoucabte  teViiiinw^ 
tiooiof,  tiie  oimpaigai  V!itho«rt  «Jusidii  ©fiblooil/^tegB  »f 
terriiary,v  or  it irecouigiei»t&  mant^al  \9m.i  '^^iith^AtjgL 

thfe  ho^iieio ttienanieiofltihe Pri(iM;eRegentvX<» i^^ 
sarance  of  ^tachmeot/awd liupipoH  t^^ Md ^6tipi^ 
in;th?ii?^swei?  toihiisuSpeechtat  thdofMiniflg^Joif  BariiH* 
mfint  inuhe  tpKee^ittg  mdftth  «f  Fthjoisity,  <md  ac^ 
quaittifced  them :.tbitu*5fHls  R(py^l  HigbiMssa  ptatSediibat 

^MmfidendiiirotS©ifl)Usageia«d^0yaltyco€iiigrM»jesl}?»8 
Oanadiart  iubjeetsii  wbicbjmadeLhim  equailjr  .feai4€B»./af 
ithe  iresuk  of  any  !^pec|ya{tt^  upon  thfeiri,  ^aid  ofi  my 
iiisidioifshttenap^Ri^ aijdn^ettheir  aSeetiikotfjxmhk 
SmniikmeokM .  H*  i^ifdEwiiedjibeta  of,  th«  benefidaiiefi- 
.fectki  nesBhib'^  from  it^^ii Army oB^li«tplAd  Teoonv 
ffienddd  ii»  tot>  tkeiibfttnthencfffisidtJraiiAoaj  .^^.ife  ub&d 
(hevj6bsermi>/acc8Hr^ngqta*llie  pd^«^  vb«te4in,.Jiim 
by^theiij^^ijj0ijiHC3ilksitibithilfao(Jk^^ 


m 


'l4»f|Nl9T|UTI9N  ^ 


I 


l^ie/dbfedc^  ofvVm  Fnovinee,  wfd,  jw-^h*  the  fn«^  cluee^- 
i&g^/saUfaotioniiadbteA  91  witiiess  t»f  that!paM 
Uiat  jitea(^; order  .«nd|  Ibat  lovpi  <«C<tb?iR  Couiitey».,tIp(©ir 
Sie%ton^<aiidf (their  Laws^i  wjl|i4Bh,th«yrM  amnU«ist«id 
ofttftife  Qocasiiiiiy H^d  wbicb  by.9nimaliAg)^(l  uniting 
«H  dwfes  of  his  M^jfesty/s^MliyjIects,  (CQttl4 iu^t,f^i!  ^nder 
I^vin^fl^ravid^niice  to,  4wak0  ih^m  saie»  a|,  homi^^nd  re- 
spectfcd^5a^|<^ad*<[ ,  H/Qi  recp(jqa*ende4  a nevisiip^  of  the 
Militifi  &aw»j>frnd<co0c]uc^i|  byAir)gi)ig,,th?i  necessity 

Among  the  first  proceedings  of  the  House  of  Assem- 
mioMsfi i9r)thii(Sieg:sSQp^ )iHas jftfl  eoqplry  ^ifltOr^hKi  m^es 
andiinjw'io^ii  j«?olns^<w?nce^  A^t  >m«ght  h^vj^;  ii^uU?.4 
iWtebtfceideiiy  i«^wred?ilt»t|»f  p^b^Ucation  ^f  lie^iifi^? 
fSitim  ^Brov\mi§\'iPsiV^^mm^L  passed  i^o  mi^.ml9k 

.  eatiihg.. n iTiiiw Jme^si|i*riyi(psc fqfo  W^p^,ti^;  |)er^e>¥r§d 

A8flo*lfer;th^(*Hl|)^M«flfi^rt^^.^^^^^^J^^p^/^^  1^^ 

l)al^dfiah^,H^S?{'JPf  MmM^aym^.  ^e^,C;W*M  «n<* 
othefri4^c^l^|^othebvbeg^i)|^^til*^/4;:)^^WJ^ci|,^^)^^^      ^% 

lijmi>j9(tofiehj^rteviQ«%fwft|ui|ej^j?y  ^^^  l<(m»««5 

m>4p^i^»mi?ftij^^0t)yeiyf|w^8BHfigi9^ta,^t1f^'Ithe^ 
^a^|j^i«^sttofbioCbfte?^  t^Mm^  )^,r^i^^^\. 


resliiiK 
p<>stpo 
ineoHK 
ed  ill ' 
per^c 
p^f  at 
wards, 
pet'^^^e 
that  efl 
rejectee 

The* 

b^^his5 
noinlna 
pr6|gres 
we^  shlj 
HdiiWP 

tial  Lai 
tb'  a  rec 
wad  *ei 

i«'6i*dei 
pdjhtea^ 
ofiljEch 
upoti^p 
menti-^ 

S«HYd^f>b< 

and-jtw€ 
the  m.ti 
was'grcH 


pm«  I  igjsrfi 


snt  (6lii&itiotiptrtSfi)%T, 


cd.  The  s<Tbje%t  of^^^Jming^ab  A^rtilniEoglortdi 


W. 


wail 


resumed  by  <h^iH6Ms» m* th^^^eg^iit.  Sewion^ibitt^w^si 
p<>stpoiiedi? ;  T^^8ti^ifl0rt  fhd  W{ietfte^fi'th^)firnte,  iodi 
income*  taK  upon  ««tlarid6  (Viom  gtmrrim^iil  Mias  pi^^ 
ed  iii  the  LcB^^i^Hbufie,-  iW thfe.v jimporticwiyo^  M^Ht 

wards,  «<m  p^<?tM^^iipo»ifl50^aw^  up^^rdsi.ahdJfiv^ 
p^t'^^^eftt  opdn  e^iy\j920«i'a»kl'<*pWard*;wi;j4  hWVi^ 
that  effect  wiL^pasi^ldi^e^^^^t^^ 
rejected  by  the  Le^isJative  Council. 

TheH^S^Ve»ialv^it6(^!mttfo,Jff)(ife»8rtfif«eeit^(^*» 
into  e<yftsii*^^tidit! the  Ji!ii6i#*i»awd|»^ 

b^  his  Majesty's  0oOTts  in  this  ^P^^v^k^^jjy^ijr  the  d«i^ 

nowiBation  oFiluIes«6f  Pt<adtl<^iJ;^rki»eguUi6i-  mheb^ 

pr6|jre!is  iDf  this  i^ncjuky  dwii4|^'«h*  sfebieqa^rtiSeBsionv 

we  ish&H' hav^'^tydftbMott  to  ti<6ti«^'liifi|t^^^ 

tial  Law,  cam^^dic^i<tai*(>esokrtibiiei»frongtyiad.w^ 
tb  a  recdui-se^o  ^^ha  fm^tmpi,  ^ThbtAi^«iyuBiU>Acti 
wad  renewed'  tttid^xt^^diedi|V^fi?ver'!huildred>^usaii4 

pmtm^  miMsht^AV^e^khJp  ^md^ittt*»ituw%i^^a(»i 
of  BxchftWg^,  b^  Bills%{i6rf  Mittfottj  #hi^ith^febIdfeKS/i 

ment. ;  Fm^^^th^stthii^^fw»%rtafe'^l»ef <g*«ftiitell  t|)3^'4lio 

arMj^jt^eiftiji^;^  tlml*Mi<|  fW^diof(#oi^.r^p|^|,^|. 

the  mi*.-  ^^«^^rih^h^^smj*:br><^Wr4tiiJ(k^d  |«jd*^ifel 
was- ^i^teddo' Iwfftf^M  e  ai^^ 


» 


.>4O¥IHS#TltAVI0l7  dF 


ftM8 


tion  between  Lower  and  Upper  Canada.  But  no 
amendment  was  made  to  the  Militia  Laws,  owing  to  a 
disagreement  on  the  subject  between  the  Lower  and 
Upper  Houses.  A  ilnt^r  «^  two  itnd  a  half  percent 
upon  all  Merchandise  (provisions  excepted)  imported 
into  the  Province,  and  two  and  a  half  per  cent  more, 
tffibiil^Mei^*rtdIS^'irtii^4  JtiW 
^6^^f^Qij^(^^^a\iy  uieren|,.i'ljs<aeint„8ix  mopths.  pirevious 
tiUlimi^  impflftrtatiiOn^  w;aa  granted  foi^thi?  sapport^of 
t^  H»ikri<  *  TH^^t«sietii  S^      fttf  the  Lef^illattir^  was 

lA'/aVi  {a3iiUl^aa«h{«b  lo  dJfiall  JaoVJ  qeooOlo-HB^A    .no!t 


18fS] 

i  oJ  '^n 

iJG' •|0\ 
t':>D  Tdi 

Battle  o£ 

Fort  (J 
bpur.  J 

at.Ston 
Attack 
Officer. 
Eagle  r 
Swantt 
•ccurre 


n'?' 


rM  ';<^?  to  -f^bf    i'  tx;}  HO  boi^vor^  Hi)?.  no^rrcuH    ^- 
'    "i  ^n'tr  -'•■  iisffliolni  j^':'jJuiR*>  "to  •?I6I  '^f''' 


.:l 


I     >^ 


^f'fonv  ' 


'i'.^     •K.lUJlil; 


.,<',.1'/,' 


chigan ! 
Proctor 
ter  the  r 
the  19ti] 

Battle  c 
Frenchto 

underB 
Frenchti 
from  Dc 
Indians 
tia,  who 
hack  up 
determii 
reinforc< 


pM8 

But  no 
owing  to  a 
Lower  and 
f  per  cent 
imported 
cent  more, 

isi  pirevaous 
snpporf  ^  ol' 
ilattir^  wai 

'iBftfl  sIgAS 

,noJna7/8 


18fS] 


SlA  CieoiNhS' ¥ll£¥Cf8T. 


98 

'  ot  Qiwffo  ,awF.J  iutiliM  9iif  o»  i»b«t!t  aaw  tainuhfrjtm 

Moqr.i;    (h(»lq^'>xj*  8Mui>j/oi<j)  ^8ib^R,irfot/I  IIu  rioqu 

at.Stoney  Creek  bjr  Lieut.  Coloi.el  Harv«j.,^7?rft^r  dZT 
AUack  upon  Bla<M^RodtWL-ut:(&a^)lS3® 
Officer.  Attack  upon  Lower  Sandusky.  Capture  of  the  Growler  and 

l^nl  '^ff«"- of  Goose  Creek.  Death  of  Captain  Milnes,  Naval 
•ccurrences  on  Lake  Ontario.  »  *  «*« 


^®i 


nPHE  American  army  under  the  command  of  Gfen. 
-^  Harrison  still  hovered  on  the  border  of  the  Mi- 
chigan  Territory  and  over-awed  Detroit,  where  Col. 
Proctor  with  an  inferior  force  was  left  in  command  af. 
ter  the  reduction  of  that  post  by  General  Brock.  On 
me  lyth  of  January,  information  was  received  at  De- 

Pifn'ctown  ^"^^  ^y  **r  ^'^''^  Commander,  that  a  di- 
renchtown.  ^^lon  or  brigade  of  the  American  army 

under  Brigadier  General  Winchester,  was  encamped  at 
Frenchtown  on  the  River  Raisin,  twenty^six  miles 
h-om  Detroit,  having  driven  in  a  body  of  militia  and 
Indians  posted  there  under  Major  Reynolds  of  the  mili- 
tia, who,  after  some  resistance  with  a  field  piece,  fell 
back  upon  Brownstown.  Colonel  Proctor  promptly 
determined  to  attack  this  division  before  it  could  be 
remforced  by  the  main  body  under  General  Harrisoii, 


♦ 


100 


ADMINISTRATION  Or 


[18U 


three  or  four  days  march  in  the  rear  ;  and  assembled 
his  dispogcable  force  at  Brownstown  on  the  21st,  con- 
sisting of  five  hundred  regulars,  seamen  and  militia, 
and  about  six  hundred  Indians.  He  advanced  the 
same  day  twelve  miles,  to  Stoney  Creek,  and  at  day 
break  the  next  morning  made  a  resolute  attack  on  the 
enemy's  camp.  General  Winchester  himself,  fell  soon 
after  the  commencement  of  the  action  into  the  hands 
of  the  Wyandot  Chief  Roundhead,  wlio  surrendered 
him  to  Colonel  Proctor.  The  Americans  had  retreat- 
ed to  the  houses  and  enclosures,  from  which  they  were 
making  a  desperate  resistance  through  fear  of  falling 
into  the  hands  of  the  Indians  ;  but  upon  its  being  re- 
presented to  General  Winchester,  that  unless  a  speedy 
surrei\der  were  made,  the  buildings  would  be  set  on  lire 
and  that  no  responsibility  would  be  taken  for  the  con- 
duct of  tfie  Indians,  he  sent  a  flag  of  truce  to  his  men, 
and  agreed  on  their  part  to  a  surrender,  upon  condi- 
tion of  their  being  protected  from  the  fury  of  the  Sava- 
ges, and  allowed  to  preserve  their  private  property. 
In  this  aflair  the  enemy  lost  in  killed  between  three 
and  four  hundred  men,  and  one  Brigadier  General, 
three  field  Officers,  nine  Captains,  twenty  Subalterns 
and  upwards  of  five  hundred  men  in  prisoners.  The 
Joss  on  the  British  side  was  aUo  severe  :  twenty-four 
killed  and  one  hundred  and  fifty-eight  wounded.  This 
spirited  and  vigorous  measure  completely  disconcert- 
ed the  arrangements  made  by  General  Harrison  for 
the  recovery  of  the  Michigan  Territory,  and  secured 
Detroit  from  any  immediate  danger.  In  recording 
this  gallant  exploit,  it  must  be  regretted,  that  the  un- 
governable ferocity  of  our  Indian  allies,  (who  on  the 
day  after  the  battle,  arc  said  to  have  slaughtered  in 
spite  of  the  British,  such  of  the  wounded  prisoners  as 


v«g«,F< 

cj^Kuieil 
«wp)»r. 

vi^itqujf 

tPj)blw<ii 
upcctnip 
P*^orooti 

gisUtdn^ 
^oif'lUpi 

Pearson 

he.p(^^ 

myfiTaiij 
The  Go\ 
att^k^Uj 


he 


[18U 

issembled 
21st,  con- 
d  militia, 
meed  the 
id  at  day 
ck  on  the 

fell  soon 
the  hands 
Tendered 
d  retreat- 
ihey  were 
[>f  falling 
being  re- 

a  speedy 
set  on  lire 
r  the  con- 
>  his  men, 
)n  condi- 
the  Sava- 
property. 
een  three 

General, 
ubalterns 
!rs.  The 
eniy-four 
ded.  This 
Isconcert- 
rrison  for 
i  secured 
recording 
it  the  un- 
ho  on  the 
itered  in 
soners  as 


^%«.  ^^h^ml^  ^.^^u^m  wfi<At«,,  JS  i^ 

WViefi.m«  ^^cutMn  thi«  e«»«rp.i^.  .a  J^X^ 
^wpl»ryi4.««ariity.di6p!aj^«d%i,i«i,,*a.f|^ 

^6r^^o-«.^i^ipn^^,,3^^^^   ,^^,^^  ^«»J 

Prw^^geiH/rhowld  b^^awi.,  h^o  wag  pW  to 

i.Tl*^.ao>^nor;h«vi„g.qlpsea.thft  Se^ag^  of  the  Le^^ 

^»fi^P.pW'iiA;?W»pdft<iJnuhh»i?om  thither,  I^ieut.^ 
Peari9P.*^H:p«K«a«id.4rt.P^»cpt,  pr<^poied.,to  hin>  as 
i;« W^,n»»i^tJMk-  ^n.O^  post  at  Oir. 

den«}wf^M9j,^taM^aon.|^,^,e,cur8ioft  L  the  ^t 
my^f^  .ti»«|.ce^^n,^  BracfevUle  so«,e  day.  previous. 
The  q^v^rup^  d,d.  «Qt  d^em^it.  wpedieat  to  ^der  ^ 
attafte.«(M?n  ,t^at  poM^bm,^  two  JBe^  had  deserted  on 


102 


ADMINISTRATION   OF 


[1813 


I 


who  miglit,  upon  ascertaining  the  arrival  of  the  Gover- 
nor, way-lay  him  on  his  route,  it  was  determined  that 
Lieut.  Col.  Pearson  should  proceed  on  the  ensuing 
morning  with  his  Excellency  to  Kingston,  while  Lt. 
Col.  M*Donnel,  second  in  command  at  Prescot,  should 
make  a  demonstration  on  the  ice  in  front  of  Ogdens- 
burgh,  as  welf  with  a  view  of  engaging  the  attention 
of  the  enemy,  as  by  drawing  out  their  forces,  to  ascer- 
tain the  strength  of  the  garrison.  On  the  ensuing  morn- 
ing (22d  February)  as  the  Governor  departed,  Lieut. 
Col.  M'Donnel  moved  with  his  party  across  the  river 
on  the  ice,  towards  Ogdensburgh ;  the  enemy  perceiv- 
ing the  movement,  were  prepared  to  receive  him,  and 
Aitauku  on  *^»®"*-  ^^^-  M'Donnell  impelled  by  that 
OgdlwbS"  spirit  characteristic  of  British  Soldiers, 
turned  the  demonstration  into  a  real  attack. 

The  enemy  was  driven  from  the  village  after  a  short 
contest,  leaving  about  twenty  killed,  and  a  consider- 
able number  wounded.  Four  brass  field  pieces,  seven 
pieces  of  iron  ordnance  complete,  with  several  hun- 
dred stand  of  arms,  and  a  considerable  quantity  of 
stores  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  victors,  who  lost  seven 
killed,  and  seven  officers  (including  Lieut.  Col.  M'Don- 
nell)  and  forty-one  men  wounded.  After  having  de- 
stroyed two  small  schooners  and  two  gun  boats  left 
there  to  winter,  they  returned  to  their  quarters  at 
Prescot. 

During  the  winter  the  greatest  exertions  were  made 
to  be  in  a  state  of  preparation  for  the  ensuing  cam- 
paign. In  March  a  draught  of  militia  took  place,  to 
fill  up  the  militia  Battalions.  A  Battalion  (the  6th) 
was  embodied  at  Quebec  from  the  city  Militia  for  gar- 


[1613 

e  Gover- 
ined  that 

ensuing 
while  Lt. 
A,  should 

Ogdens- 
attentioR 
to  ascer- 
ng  morn- 
id,  Lieut, 
the  river 
/  perceiv- 
him,  and 
I  by  that 
Soldiers, 


:er  a  short 
consider- 
ces,  seven 
vend  hun- 
lantity  of 
lost  seven 
►1.  M'Don- 
laving  de- 
boats  left 
quarters  at 


vere  made 
uing  cam- 
L  place,  to 
(tlie  6th) 
la  for  gar- 


1813] 


SUl  OEOROE   PREVOST. 


103 


nson  duty.  The  Canadian  Regiment  of  Fenclbles,  the 
Clengaries  and  the  Voltigoiirs  recruited  with  diligence 
and  success;  and  the 404th  (or  New-Brunswick  Reffi- 
ment)  marched  through  from  Fredericton  for  Upper- 
(.'anada^  some  hundreds  of  miles,  with  extraordinary 
rolerlty  ni  the  month  of  March,  though  their  route  from 
1  redericton  to  the  river  St.  Lawrence,  lay  through  an 
uiuuhabited  wilderness  buried  in  snow,  and  never  be- 
fore practised  by  troops. 

The  American  forces  in  the  mean  time  augmented 
daily  at  Sacket's  Harbour,  and  their  fleet  being  supe- 
rior to  that  of  the  British,  a  descent  upon  Kingston  or 
Its  neighbourhood  was  confidently  expected ;  the  Ame- 
rican government  however,  deemed  it  too  hazardous 
a  game  to  stake  the  fate  of  their  Lake  armament  upon 
an  enterprize  against  the  principal  f/epo/ of  the  British 
in  the  Upper  Province,  where  they  must  expect  a  des- 
perate resistance,  and  resolved  to  direct  their  eflbrts 
against  the  more  distant  and  vulnerable  parts  on  the 
Lake.      Commodore   Chauncey   having   accordingly 
equipped  his  fleet  for  an  expedition,  and  received  on 
board  upwards  of  seventeen  hundred  troops  under  the 
command  of  Generals  Dearborn  and  Pike,  sailed  from 
Sacket's  Harbour  on  the  25th  April,  and  on  the  follow- 
ing evening  appeared  ofl"  York  with  fourteen  sail  of 
armed  vessels.  On  the  ensuing  morning  (27th)  the  ene- 
my commenced  a  debarkation  about  three  miles  to  the 
west  of  the  town,  but  the  wind  blowing  fresh  from  the 
eastward,  they  fell  considerably  to  leeward  of  the  po- 
sition fixed  upon  for  landing  (the  site  of  the  old  French 
Fort  Toronto)  while  they  suffered  much  from  agalling 
fire  of  the  British  troops  posted  in  a  wood.     They  liow- 
ever  accomplished  their  landing  and  compelled  the 


X04 


ADMINISTRATION   OF 


[1813 


Battle  &  Cap.  I^ritish  to  retire  with  loss.  The  Grena- 
ttsH-eofYork.  diers  of  the  8th  Regiment,  who  lost  their 
Captain  M'Neal,  were,  after  a  desperate  contest  alrtiost 
annihilated  by  the  overwhelming  numbers  of  the  ene- 
my. The  latter  having  made  ('heir  landings  formed 
upon  the  beach  under  the  immediate  orders  of  General 
Pike,  while  the  schooners  worked  up  to  the  Forts  un- 
der a  heavy  cannonade,  and  assuming  a  position  at 
ihe  distance  of  six  hunHved  yards  from  the  batteries 
in  cder  to  make  a  simultaneous  impression  upon  the 
works  by  water  and  by  land,  opened  a  heavy  fire  upon 
them,  which  did  great  execution.  The  land  forces 
undet*  General  Pike  advanced  through  a  little  wood 
to  the  main  works,  when,  at  the  distance  of  sixty  rods 
from  them,  a  tremendous  explosion  took  place  from  a 
magazine  previously  prepared,  which  discharging  an 
im*nense  quantity  of  rubbish,  spread  havock  among 
their  troops  and  killed  a  number  of  their  officers  and 
men.  General  Pike,  an  officer  much  esteemed  in  the 
American  army,  and  who  seems  to  have  been  a  gen- 
tleman of  an  amiable  character  in  private  life,  received 
1  contusion  from  a  large  stoiie  while  leading  on  his  men, 
which  in  a  few  hours  put  a  period  to  his  existence. 
General  Sheaffe  finding  his  small  force  unable  tc  re- 
sist that  of  the  enemy,  retreated  at  two  o'clock  in  the 
afternoon,  leaving  Lieut.  Colonel  Chewit  of  the  militia 
to  treat  with  the  enemj- ;  and  a  capitulation  immedi- 
ately ensued,  by  which  York  was  surrendered  to  the 
American  forces,  and  the  miFitia,  to  the  amount  of  more 
than  two  hundred  men  with  their  officers,  surrendered 
prisoners  of  war,  on  condition  that  all  private  proper- 

■Aw*    mX-^^^u^I^    Vv#^     M^nb^^^^f-^H  ^  \\^^     irw%t\itr*     c4ir\ik«Ac    r\t     £^\7iMr*t7 

description  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  enemy,  with  the 
armed  schooner  Duke  cf  Gloucester  undergoing  re- 


[1813 

le  Grena- 
losi  their 
est  aliliost 
if  the  ene- 
^j  formed 
>f  General 
Forts  un- 
osition  at 
batteries 
upon  the 
r fire  upon 
nd  forces 
ittle  wood 
sixty  rods 
ce  from  a 
arging  an 
:k  among 
fficers  and 
ned  in  the 
en  a  gcn- 
?,  received 
m  his  men. 
existence, 
ible  tc  re- 
3ck  in  the 
the  militia 
n  immedi- 
red  to  the 
nt  of  more 
irrendered 
te  proper- 

3     vrt       V  T  V  »    7 

V 

f,  with  the 
rgoing  re- 


1813J 


SIR   GEORGE  PRlP^VOST. 


105 


pairs.    A  new  ship  which  had  injudiciously  been  laid 
down  at  this  open  and  defenceless  Post,  the  preceding: 
wmter,  and  now  almost  completely  planked,  was,  with 
he  naval  stores  set  on  fire  by  the  British  previous  to 
iheir  retreat.     The  loss  of  the   British  was  severe 
amounting  to  about  one  hundred  and  thirty  men  inkill^ 
ed  and  wounded,  among  the  former  Mr.  M'Lean,  the 
Speaker  of  the  House  of  Assembly  of  Upper  Canada, 
who  had  volunteered  his  services  with  a  musker.    The 
loss  of  the  enemy,  though  not  correctly  ascertained, 
must  have  been  proportionally  heavier  than  that  of  the 
iinUsh.    The  enemy  having  secured  their  booty,  re- 
embarked  aad  sailed  on  the  2d  of  May  for  Niagara. 

The  people,  hitherto  unaccustomed  to  hear  of  re- 
verses, were  irritated  at  this  success  of  the  enemy,  and 
as  usual  upon  such  occasions,  clamoured  against  the 
General  commanding,  who  a  few  weeks  afterwards  was 
succeeded  in  the  Administration  of  the  Civil  Govern- 
ment of  Upper  Canada  by  Major  General  De  Rotten- 
burg,  and  on  his  return  to  the  Lower  Province  assum- 
ed the  command  of  the  force.^  in  the  District  of  Mon- 
treal.    It  IS  not  ascertained  whether  his  removal  was 
he  result  of  the  displeasure  of  the  Commander  of  the 
orces  but  upon  a  cool  survey  of  the  event  of  the  bat- 
tle 01  York,  It  must  be  owned  that  the  honor  of  the  Bri- 
tish arms  was  strenuously  and  ably  maintained  by  the 
jmali  party  of  men  under  his  command,  who,  includine- 
Regulai's,  Militia  and  Indians,  did  not  exceed  six  hunt 
Ured, 


Tlie   Amorio.qn 
Niagara 
incuts 


s«i_'Uj,       Iiavii. 


g  iuiiuca  tiie  troops  at 

ned  to  Sacket's  Harbour  for  reinforce- 

aud  Qu  the  25th  May,  their  whgle  fleet  having; 


im 


ADMINISTRATION   OP 


[1813 


proceeded  by  detachments,  were  again  assembled  at 
Niagara,  and  General  Vincent  commanding  at  Fort 
George,  foresaw  that  an  attack  was  intended  shortly 
Attack  and  ***  ^®  made  upon  his  Post.  Commodore 
reduction  of  Chauncey  despatched  two  of  his  vessels 
Fort  George.    ^^   ^^^.^^    vigilantly    off    Kingston,   and 

concerted    his    arrangements    with   Gen.    Dearborn 
for  a  combined  attack  upon   Fort  George.     Early  in 
the  morning  of  the  27tli  May  the  enemy  commenced  a 
combined  attack  upon  that  Fort,  having  previously, 
on  the  24th  and  25th,  materially  injured  the  works  by 
a  warm  cannonade  from  their  ships  and  batteries.     A 
body  of  about  eight  hundred  riflemen  under  Colonel 
Scott  landed  near  the  two  Mile  Creek,  while  the  fleet 
ranged  up  in  the  form  of  a  crescent,  extending  from 
the  Norlh.of  the  light  house  to  the  two  Mile  Creek,  so 
as  to  enfilade  the   British  batteries  by  a  cross  fire. 
The  riflemen,  after  forming  and  ascending  the  bank, 
were  met  by  the  British,  and  compelled  to  give  way  in 
disorder  and  return  to  the  beach,  from  whence  the}^ 
kept  up  a  smart  fire  under  cover  of  the  bank.    In  the 
mean  time,  another  body  of  upwards  of  two  thousand 
men,  under  the  direction  of  General  Lewis,  made  a 
landing,and  formed  on  the  beach  under  cover  of  a  tre- 
mendous cannonade  of  round  shot,  and  showers  of 
grape  and  canister  from  the  fleet,  that  swept  the  adja- 
cent plain,  and  compelled  the  British  to  retire.     Gen* 
Vincent  finding  the  works  torn  to  pieces  by  the  enemy's 
artillery,  and  no  longer  tenable  against  so  overwhelm- 
ing a  force,  caused  the  Fort  to  be  dismantled,  and  the 
magazines  to  be  blown  up,  and  retreated  to  Queens- 

*^xvn    lonvmo*  fhp  Amf^rirans  in  t»kp  nnssessinn  nf  the 

ruins  of  the  Fort.    The  British  loss  consisted  of  fifty- 
two  killed^  and  upwards  of  three  hundred  woimded  and 


1813] 

missing 
thirty-i 

Gene 
ed  the 
Erie,  ai 
stores  a 
wards  I 

The  i 

Quebec, 

Royal  r 

the  droc 

Pring  ai 

Navy  hi 

fax,  wit! 

putting  I 

enemy, 

treal  to  1 

at  the  lat 

his  emba 

Thetv 
public  w; 
sive  dash 

Expeditioi 
against  Sac 
Jket's  Harbor 

body  of  ( 

barked  oi 

tillaatKi 

George  i 

bparinnr  4\ 

"S    *s 

number  o 
were  off  g 


1813] 


SIR  GEORGE   PReVost. 


bled  at 
at  Fort 
shortly 
[Bodore 
vessels 
n,   and 
iarborn 
larJy  in 
jnced  a 
viously, 
orks  by 
ies.     A 
Colonel 
;he  fleet 
ig  trom 
reek,  so 
oss  fire. 
e  bank, 
way  in 
ice  the}^ 
In  the 
bousand 
made  a 
)f  a  tre- 
wers  of* 
tie  adja- 
.     Gen* 
enemy's 
rwhelm- 
and  the 
Queens- 
n  of  the 
offifty- 
dedand 


lOT 

missing.    The  American  accounts  state  their  loss  at 
thirty-ninekilled  and  one  hundred  and  eleven  wounded. 

General  Vincent  on  the  ensuing  day  having  collect- 
ed the  whole  of  the  forces  from  Chippawa  Ld  C 
h.ne,  and  destroyed  or  rendered  useless  the  posts  and 
stores  along  that  frontier,  commenced  his  retreat  to- 
wards  Burhngton  Heights  at  the  head  of  Ontario. 

The  arrival  of  Sir  James  L.  Yeo  from  England  at 
Quebec    on  the  5th  May,  with  several  Officers  of  the 
Roya,  Navy,  and  450  seamen  for  the  Lakes,  cheered 
the  drooping  sp  rits  of  the  public.     Captains  Barclay 
Pnng  aad  Fmnis,  with  five  Lieutenants  of  the  Royal 
Navy  having  previously  arrived  over  land  from  Hali- 

uunirr^hrT  ?'™'"'  ""''^  ^'^'""^^  "*  ^'"^^*«»'  ^^^ 

eneml^  S  r  '"^  '  T'  «^  P^'^P-'-^tion  to  meet  the 
Z  r  IT  '  "''"^'  ^''^''''  P«'<^<^««ded  from  Mon- 
treal  to  Kingston  with  Sir  James  L.  Yeo,  who  arrived 
at  the  latter  place  in  the  short  term  orsix  weeks  from 
his  embarking  at  Portsmouth. 

The  two  Commanders  being  now  at  Kings^ton,  the 
public  was  OR  the  tip^toeof  expectation  for  some  deci- 
sive dash  upon  the  enemy's  flotilla.     An  attack  uoon 
Expedition  Sarkpt's    Ho..L«    •       .u       i      «^"^*'K    upon 
against  Sac-  ^^^^^^^  s   Harbor   in   the  absence  of  their 
kefs  Harbor,  fleet  at   Niagara   was  resolved    upon       A 
body  of  eight  hundred  or  a  thousand  men  were  em- 
barked  on  the  27th  May,  on  board  of  the  British  flo- 
tilla  at  Kingston,  consisting  of  the  Wolf  24  guns,  Royal 
George  24,  Earl  of  Moira  18,  and  four   schooner 
.        .^  „„,„  ,^„  ,„  -,,.gj^.^g-^jj.  ^^^^^  with  a  sufficient 
number  of  batteaux,  and  at  noon  on  the  next  day  thev 
were  off  Sacket's  Harbor.    The  w..ther  was  /rof^il 


^m 


ADMINl&TnATION  OW 


[18J3     I     1813] 


ous,  and  the  troops  were  transferred  to  the  batteaux 
to  make  then-  landing  under  an  escort  of  two  gun- 
boats, commanded  by  Captain  Mulcaster,  the  whole 
under  the  immediate  direction  of  the  land  and  naval 
CommandeFS  in  Chief.     They  had  proceeded  but  a 
short  distance  when  a  convoy  of  American  boats  load- 
ed with  troops  were  descried  doubling  Stoney  Point, 
on  their  way  from  Oswego  to  SacUet's  Harbor.     The 
Indians,  who  had  previously  landed  on  an  Island,  fired 
upon  them  as  they  passed  and  threw  them  into  confu- 
sion, while  the  boats  and  batteaux  bore  down  and  cap- 
tured twelve  of  them  with  about  150  men  :  the  remaia- 
der  escaped  into  Sacket's  Harbour.     The  landing  was 
then  deferred  until  the  next  morning,  while  the  Ameri- 
cans raised  the  alarm,  and  withdrew  a  detachment  of 
their  troops  posted  upon  Horse  Island  at  the  mouth  of 
the  Harbour,  and  assumed  a  position  on  the  main,  op- 
posite a  ford  leading  from  the  Island  to  the  main  land, 
where  they  were  reinforced  by  a  body  of  militia  under 
General  Brown,  and  prepared  for  a  vigorous  defence. 
The  night  was  dark  and  rainy,  and  at  day  break  next 
morning  the  boats  were  so  scattered  that  they  were 
unable  to  effect  a  landing  as  intended,  before  the  ene- 
my should  have  time  to  line  the  woods.    They  first  at- 
tempted to  land  on  the  main,  in  a  cove  formed  by 
Horse  Island,  but  on  approaching  it  they  found  the 
enemy  prepared  for  them  by  a  heavy  fire  of  musketry 
from  the  surrounding  woods  supported  by  a  field  piece. 
They  then  pulled  round  and  landed  on  the  outside  of 
the  Island,  with  little  or  no  loss,  ^nd  pushed  forward 
to  the  ford,  in  the  face  of  a  hot  fire  of  musketry  and 
the  field  piece,  which  they  carried  in  a  few  moments 
after  landing,  with  a  tumbrel  and  a  few  rounds  of  am 
munition.    The  enemy  retreated,  and  posting  them 


selves 

fire  uf 

as  weli 

ed  to  1 

of  the 

a  long 

was  in 

and  C( 

in  Brit 

vice,  o 

scour  t 

opposit 

dislodg 

fled  to 

pursued 

At  this 

officer, 

battery 

the  assii 

The  flee 

ance  in 

the  fire" 

signal  o 

assailant 

ment  wh 

cisive  v'u 

to  their 

racks,  by 

and  the  i 

had  also 

covering 

SUDnrpssi 

immedial 
The  loss, 


[18S3     I     1813] 


sin  GEOHGE  PREVOST. 


109 


batteaux 
two  gun- 
he  whole 
nd  naval 
led  but  a 
oats  load^ 
ey  Point, 
►or.  The 
and,  fired 
ito  confu- 
and  cap- 
16  reniaia- 
nding  was 
he  Ameri- 
chment  of 
3  mouth  of 
main,  op- 
(nain  land, 
itia  under 
IS  defence, 
jreak  next 
they  were 
•e  the  ene- 
ey  first  at- 
ormed  by 
found  the 
'  musketry 
field  piece, 
outside  of 
id  forward 
ketry  and 
/  moments 
nds  of  am- 
ing  them^ 


selves  securely  behind  lai-ge  trees,  kept  up  a  smart- 
fire  upon  the  British.     The  fleet  iu  the  mean  time,  as 
as  well  as  a  small  vessel  with  two  six  pounders,  intend- 
ed to  have  been  landed  in  time  to  support  the  advance 
of  the  troops,  were,  through  light  and  adverse  wind, 
a  long  way  in  the  rear.    Under  these  circumstances  it 
was  impossible  to  wait  for  the  arrival  of  the  artillery, 
and  Col.  Baynes,  the  Adjutant  General  of  the  Forces 
in  British  N.  America,  who  was  charged  with  this  ser- 
vice, ordered  the  detachment  to  divide,  in  order  to 
scour  the  woods  by  pursuing  two  paths  which  led  in 
opposite  directions  round  a  rising  ground.   The  enemy 
dislodged  from  the  woods  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet, 
fled  to  their  fort  and  blockhouses,  whither  they  were 
pursued  by  the  British,  who  set  fire  to  their  barracks. 
At  this  juncture  it  was  thought  by  the  commanding 
officer,  that  the  enemy's  block^  houses  and  stockaded 
battery  could  not  be  carried  by  assault,  even  with 
the  assistance  of  field  pieces  had  they  been  landed. 
Ihe  fleet  were  still  out  of  reach  to  render  any  assist- 
ance  in  battering  them,  while  his  men  were  exposed  to 
the  fire  of  the  enemy  secure  within  their  works.     The 
signal  of  retreat  was  therefore  given  to  the  indignant 
assailants,  and  the  enterprise  was  abandoned  at  a  mo- 
ment when  the  enemy  had  so  far  calculated  upon  a  de- 
cisive victoity  on  the  part  of  the  British,  as  to  set  fire 
to  their  naval  store  houses,  hospital  and  marine  bar- 
racks, by  which  all  the  booty  previously  taken  at  York, 
and  the  stores  for  their  new  ship  were  consumed.  They 
had  also  set  fire  to  a  frigate  on  the    cocks,  but  on  dis- 
covering the  retreat  of  the  British,  Uey  succeeded  in 

SUDnrPssinrr  tho    dwa  nr%A  c^.. — ^l  i mi 

,,  _.  .,,.    ,„^  „j,„  oavcu  uvr,     xiiG  iroops  were 

immediately  re-embarked  and  returned  to  Kingston. 
•The  loss,  though  heavy  on  both  sides  is  not  correctlv 


110 


ADMINISTRATION   OJ* 


ascertained  ;  among  the  British,  Capt.  Gray,  Acting 
Depy.  Q.  M.  General,  was  much  regretted.  He  fell 
while  reconuoitering  the  enemy's  works  in  the  hope  of 
discovering  some  opening  ta  favor  an  assault. 

Tlius  terminated  this  expedition  to  the  disappointment 
of  the  public,  who,  from  the  presence  and  co-operation 
of  the  two  Commanders  in  Chief,  fondly  flattered  them- 
selves with  a  far  more  brilliant  result.  This  miscarriage 
with  other  reverses  at  the  commencement  of  the  pre- 
sent campaign,  destroyed  in  the  opinion  of  the  enemy, 
the  invincibility  our  arms  had  acquired  the  preceding 
lautumn. 


Battle  at      From  these  humiliating  occurrences,  we 
Fort  Meigs.     ^u,.y  ^jjjj  pride  to  more  cheering  scenes 

of  action,  which  effectually  retrieved  the  honor  of  the 
British  arms  in  Upper-Canada.  General  Harrison, 
notwithstanding  the  defeat  of  a  division  of  his  army 
under  General  Winchester  at  Frenchtown  in  February, 
still  persevered  in  his  preparations  to  recover  the 
Michigan  territoiy,  and  in  pursuance  of  his  views  had 
towards  the  spring,  taken  post  near  the  foot  of  the 
ra[)ids  of  the  Miami,  where  he  only  waited  for  rein- 
forcements to  commence  active  operations  against  the 
British.  General  Proctor  aware  of  his  views,  deter- 
mined to  dislodge  him  before  the  arrival  of  his  rein- 
forcements, and  proceeded  for  the  Miami.  He  arrived 
at  the  neighbourhood  of  the  enemy's  position  on  the 
26th  of  April.  The  Americans  had  however,  secured 
themselves  by  block  houses  and  batteries  so  as  to  ren- 
der every  elTort  of  U^e  small  artillery  of  the  besiegers 
lanavailing;, 


[1813    I    1813] 


SIR  GEOnOE  PM>!.«'odf . 


itt 


y,  Acting 
.  He  fell 
e  hope  uf 

t. 

>oIntmetit 
operation 
red  thein- 
iscarriage 
the  pre- 
le  enemy, 
>receding 


jnces,  we 
ig  scenes 
lor  of  the 
Harrison, 
his  army 
?^ebruary, 
:over  the 
views  had 
)0t  of  the 
for  rein- 
gainst  the 
/s,  deter- 
his  rein- 
[e  arrived 
on  on  the 
I*,  secured 
as  to  reu- 
besiegers 


In  the  morning  of  the  6th  of  May,  a  reinforcement. 
co»s„t,„g  of  two  regiments  amounting  to  about  twelve 
hundred  men  under  Brigadier  General  Clay,  having 
rapidly  descended  the  river  from  Fort  Defianie,  somf 
distance  above  Fort  Meigs   (the  American  posiZI 
made  a  sudden  attack,  and  surprised  the  British  bat- 
teries on  the  West  side  of  the  river,  seconded  by  a  re- 
solute and  simultaneous  sally  from  the  garrisonf  Hav- 
ing earned  the  British  batteries,   the/unwarily  pur- 
sued the  Indians,  who  fell  back  skirmishing  with  the 
enemy    while  the  main  force  coming  up,  by  a  hasty 
and  judicious  movement,  circumvented  the  Americans 
and  intercepted  their  retreat  to  the  river.  After  a  des 
perate  contest,  the  enemy  surrendered,  and  upwards 
of  500  men  were  made  prisoners.     They  who  bad  sal- 
hed  from  the  Fort  alone  effected  their  escape,  and  be- 
took themselves  to  their  fortification.    The  Indians 
although  disposed  to  sacrifice  the  prisoners  according 

,uJ-J'°f"  "*■  "^'^'"■''  ""*"■  """"  «^<^^»«.  were 
with  difficulty  restrained  from  slaughter  by  the  Bri- 
tish   two  or  three  of  whom  fell  victims  to  the  fury  of 
he  Savages,  in  their  endeavors  to  protect  the  defence- 
less prisoners.     By  this  partial  success  the  enemy  be- 
came so  crippled,  as  to  be  unable  to  prosecute  the 
campaigii  with  any  prospect  of  recovering  Detroit 
and  General  Proctor  drew  ofl"  his  forces  and  returned 
to  Sandwich,  under  the  apprehension  of  being  aban- 
doned by  the  Indians,  who  after  a  battle,  according  to 
heir  custom,  retire  to  the  enjoyment  of  tkeir  booty 
n  this  affair,  the  British  loss  amounted  to  one  officer 
(01  the  militia)  and  fourteen  men  killed,  and  one  offi 
cer  and  forty-five  men  wounded. 

Immediately  after  the  capture  of  Fort  George  by 


m 


Mmwwsim  «ij 


|M«§   I  leid] 


lodgmgfGeneral  Vincf5<rt,wh9»l^  aasUnwdrnflHwHiou 
at^Barlington«€ight8'  at  the  head  4rf  LaJseOntrtrifi^'or 
to  prei^nt  a  jwictiomOf .$lie^'foiw«i<|iMiderv€Joiietal 
ProcJtorvvjtM  those  of  Odwe^alaVSifiewt/  whlcl^tHinAl- 
mericaiw'  ittidepstdod  Iw*  betm^ifl^Te^d'stipbwJbjitfcif 
Britfch;  On'the  Mh»^of  *»««»  ,G«neMi%nV»i<-ii»^It^fei 
itttertz«d'of  the  «dvaii€€»  of -tiie^netii;^,  %<<i«>tet«oat 
dAft'*^<iPvA^t*d  picquets  fVotti'  «uyri*y<JiJ«ekt.oiLieati 
€Monel  liai^fey,'  Efeptity  Adfuhittt>  G^erai; '  i^%^^ 
ai^lf  moved^for^afd  With  ^ef?ght KXJiw|^ltfr^ft«tM 
to'anb^fe^h^^R^gltri'^ftt^,"^  fc^ifg^Arft5rtt*W«(rt^* 
^^V*s'aB^tibh,^'p^di^«^df  ta*«efeVhl  ^Wi^At  HvJftW^ 
turnal  aWack  up^^^im^hmp^^^m^m  ^t¥^^. 

ihB^igtk  .iRegittieut,  and  %>gai*«rf  the  «lMi#»fc*Wi4^ 
effective  force  onljf  704  firelocks)rtow«pe*hfe*Afflii9Hcaii 
cattip^<distaiit  about  sfifvencWiljeA  »,Li««t.^GQkfrJfofwy 
led  on  the  attack  in  gallant  style,  atid  «?«IH'1«'N*5NI«*- 

^.«  iCQUst^irnatlon  ana  fais^.ci€ft.  W^W  w«i«i  lA^gakaWterf 
thrown,  evinced  a  state  of  tfc^er^ttii^disct^inMt  ^ig^ 

thb^gh  c^pelW  ^s,oft«n4a  <£«Pf Ifi^feW^Klm^^' 
sistleg8en?#gy  of  the  Britistebttybitefe  f  ^^;t^^*^'^ 

ApnPralH  rfCKafidler  aftd*lVlndef^^fMM*^^?^ 
4hpe^^«ufci*5]onAibras§.llfl!»»t«U!BABd4kl!«fe9tt^^ 


Offe 

its  rei 

theUj 

the  pr 

retreat 

posed 

might 

Findin 

pied   t 

all  thei 

treat  t< 

of  actit 

day  by 

from  F 

(air  wa 

twelve 

woundc 

*  inCk 
tribute  of 
tbismeoM 

"  I  can 
the  foUovt 

"Toli 

tioasarep 
Was  know, 
informatio 
plan  of  opt 
nor  more  < 
Flenderiei 
CUOiM.  fij 
camp  was 
ftd  ineffec 
party  of  tk 
ed  some  oj 
''Majori 
ulus  of  the 
^bhed  ca 


|Mi?   I  leid] 


Sm  OB^IUIfi  PRCVOST. 


U9 


Offensive  to  defemive  operations,  was  probably  in 
Its  result  of  more  real  importance  to  the  salvation  of 
he  Upper  Province  than  any  other  occurrence  durinir 
the  prewnt  campaign.    The  British  were  ordered  to 
retreat  before  day  light,  lest  their  small  stremrth  ex- 
posed  to  the  view  ofthe  enemy,  upon  the  retura  of  day 
might  be  ove^wwered  by  their  superior  numbers.^ 
Findmg  that  the  British  had  retreated,  they  re^cu. 
pied   their  camp  after  sun-rise,  and  having  destroyed 
all  their  incumbrances,  commenced  a  precipitate  re- 
treat to  Forty-Mile  Creek,   ten  miles  from  the  scene 
of  action^  where  they  were  reinforced  on  the  following 
day  by  General  Lewis,  with  a  detachment  of  the  army 
from  Fort  George     The  loss  of  the  British  in  this  aA 
iair  was  one  Officer  and  twenty-two  men  killed,   and 
twelve  Officers   and  one  hundred  and   fifteen   men 
wounded,  and  fifty-five  men  nOising.* 

*  In  Oenenl  Vincent's  Offieid  DcafMiteb  the  followiM  well  «.»«J 

tribute  of  .pjj.«3e  is  bestowed  opTuTe  Officer  Z^J'n^t 
UMsawaiorable  achievement.  "««  «wi  engaged  ia 

the^ouTwrg^'^l!!'^  ^^^^'^  without  cainng  your  attention  t. 

"To  Lieut  Col  Harvey,  the  Deputy-Adjutanl-Geneml,  u,y  obli«i. 
Uon,«*p.rti««lariy  du^.  From  the  first  moient  the  enemi  "appS 
wa3  known,  he  watched  his  movements,  and  afforded  me^eTXt 
•nformation.  To  him,  indeed,  lam  indebted  for  the  suLes^iontd 
P^of  opeimHcms :  nothing  couWbe  morecleartbenhb  ar^ngemeru 

?^n^.r*tl'^"""'i"ii"^^~"'*'  The  conduct  ^fM«3o; 
ca^«1t?S:  ^J^^^'^'^^^^^  ^  4»th  Regiment,  was  ve^.  cons{/ 
cooos.  By  his  decision  and  prompt  efforts,  the  surprise  of  th^enemv^ 
camp  was  coB^eted,  and  all  bis  efforts  to  make  a  stand  were  rend  Jr 
ed  ineffectual  fcy  the  bayonet,  which  overthrew  aTlS^n  A 
partyof  thj  4SW.  wItliMMorPfenderkath  at  their  bead.Sycha« 

««J«Ogimeledoii,mthemo8tfanaatmimii«..  th-fi 
ilies  of  thA  Kinv'a  »A»;«^-« j_»-m  .  ^       h»ie  nt  '" 


ribhed  corps  «W«t«lth*^Re^peiit,  the  other  part 


10 


highly  dbUa. 
novedto 


114 


•"^^Aii^jil^isfJI^^lJON  OF  [1813 

OnrtfiWt^rihig'  dfih^  «jv<»ntJliv^*^  BwlWhiftefl  hove 
fh  sighV,  arid^^  the  eiiSCAtig  morning  appfo«died  the 
shore  ^hyfii'fcd  a  fe#  rfiot  up<>n  the  enemy,  whonithey 
surii^inoned  to  sinTendrir'pifid<«iers  of  war.  This  ^ai 
refused  by  the  Aroericatt  Officer,  who  however,  deemed 
it  expedient  td'ftill  bfecl^^jpon  Fort  George,  mhile  the 
^ritish^;  afe  ihey  retii*«J,  ^re«s«ed  upon  their  rear  and 
ticciip]ed  the  grotwrt^llhey  aband<>ned.  Twelve  ftf  their 
))fatteaux  M^hich  atcbinpatil^d  the  arjnyoii  its  retreat, 
'<^6fatairiiinl^  principally ^ffi^eri^feaggage^i  fell  into  the 
iidii^i  of  the  B^i^  fl^t^^whkh  occasidncd  th«  enemy 
i(ii*'the  present,  hb  other  inconvenience  than  by  'enabling 
tiie  Britisl#troopd  to  advance  with  security  and  ta  urge 
tliei'etFeatof  (h<J  AntcricaBSi'oi  Mdiioh  i     : 

•ilDitlhe'Wh  Jufrt,  i^p^rtyof^aboViVsi;^  l^ndred  of 

arlieiflgnemyyMinder  Liettl.  Colonel  Boerstler,  who  had 

been  despatched  the  precedingiday  by  G^n.  Dearborn, 

the  right  9uid  attacked  the, enemy's  left  flwk,  .which  d^cia&a  our  mid- 
xJghtcoS?^'   •    ^^''''  c^-v3iqir^l  o.-M;;i     ,    Jl^m,^ 
«  I  have  also  received  the  greatest  assistance  from  Major  Glegg,  Bri- 
iwlii-«lj«U»P  tfee  ^!QRCfv1»!H»««^^ftve  to  »«*ntJQpthe  ii^^ws^Cap- 

;  JChfcwAttii  6£-Ae;4Urt  Regiment^  mlv*<  M  '^wi#d,^tHtte,^  h^fc^ 

.fy^  AwMptburgh,  ;^d  Mr.  ^m^m-m'^^^MMd^hsht 

sJstedmepisActmg  Aid- de-Camp..  \  r-r 

''■^«  T6 #: HMckeftVAetWgStaff-Su!^et)^'t«>IHfe4nft^>!'feel .fWlUfti- 

li»rt3^*ia4wiB«l^  hy^  Wl|i*hHth«  Wotiird»d*Aisr«icetvf  dlsv^^ttf  R^*p, 

>  if  T«!OttW  be  aft  act  of . injustice,.  .w«re  I  to  omjt^suryig  your  E5t- 


ilh:- 


ow 


♦  bac  •.'^or 


9in    OSOMB   PI||SV08T. 


n^ 


Ie9t  hove 
Mhed  the 
ho«n  they 
This  yfM 
>,  deemed 
AihiLe  the 
rear  and 
e  4f  thehr 
!P  retreat, 
1 'into  the 
\iti  enemy 
renabiing 
td  ta  urge 

indred  of 

who  had 

[iearborn, 


l&a  our  Qlld- 

,     ->:•   • 

r  Glegg,  Bri- 
pMis  ^Cap- 
Tip,  who  ar- 

tncfe]«ftoapt. 

9th,  y/ho  as- 

leel  if&lAx^' 

Ijtig  your  Fx- 
ittiefwfipB  in 

liesiy  >  Mffl^i 


by  way  ^fr^Hfe^nstcHviH  witii  a  iiftw.^j  disbdgiog  a 
d^tacbiwai.oi<pi«qtie4^,  poated-at  ^  jOaoc  callfd  th^ 
Beavw  Darusy  <a  ftn*  miles  tfrona  Queen^lfq^f?)  ^ere 
gupprJsed  on  li^eir  khU^  bfy.  a  party,  of  i^dians  under 
tapt^  Kerr,  and  aft«r«ome.9Mrinisbiiig,  beli^y^jiig  theip- 
•Aflfiiir '  At  •  selv^  hemfned  in  by  ;9uperi^|r  nuiribers,  sur-^ 
Bei^verDaim,  ren^dered  fait,  Fi^gibbon&pfith^  49th^5€gtl 
TWi  Officfr^  ai-riving  attlw  G0ncJu»Lo^^f  the  b\*sines^^ 
wi^tft  soralidetachmfiMt  oCfj^Kty^*  rank  and  file,  cora- 
pletedi ?thfe  'vit^tory^;  atid  ( %W,  r>Ameri«»i^  smne^^ved 
IbemselvteiprMoaers^  .ailtd^Fr  iieg<?fial^i^  a  c^pit^^lation 
wiUil<him  /ilintbto  naj»*of  :M^wl>^  i|ar^«^,by,?yio«i 
be«  induced  thfr«waiijjr'to-MU«^  tbiejpjf^ily^^^l^ 
ed  with  considerable  forc<?w  r  TM  Jaiter  officer,,  t^/>%h 
not  immediately  on  the  ground,  was  however  in  the 

Tif  <^'ti\erBtli^Re^nitewf)laiAj|.l*i».  twolftank  compaaies 
oft^t^i^ih/^iij^  «'B»nallflMM*jifpf  Ptfovinciftt  cavalry 
mider  Capt.   Halt.     The   prisoners  taken,  were  five 

officers,  with  two  field  piece%  aiitla  staiid  of  <;<il^ote; 


•na  ,g§')[rt  io(iiI<  ntoil  Mnnt8}?.*:£  -  )rK->.;3  ^,it  ftwffw' 


BrilSsli, 
Gebri^e 


»»«^n^  v^inajiu,  acruss  lo  v(ue?n«Town,«n  tn^'INfagai'a 
'  A^«¥k;aiivf!or|rt I )Sebkwse^Of>.  theiopposit^!  flidfe^f-the 


l^^-rf'llw  liiilitia^wl^QraurpriBei  a  ^i8aiiy^iiSlr'&  t|i^i'  po^t, 


.us:  HI- 


boat  ajid  two  batteauz 


Lieut.  Cq)^  J^ii^liop  Ift^ftl^ccomBiantJiug  %i  Foitt  ;Erie, 

t''i*jimi*rtfair''»^*n«iiilltaii^fd.|Jwt  approbation  .QC^the 

■i 3iff K;ipok.    ■  GQneraJil^(Hmaai«Jiiig  ft)f  tlmjen^cjyrtioii of 

m  eot^prislPtwbWh  fi(*)badfpirt*viawsly  pjt«(pt)s«d)  crois- 

oiJk^v^  )Witli  24Q  inelp^Ottfiigtlttg  of  airmail  party  ofafili- 

I  t}a,<aiMld0a«hmQiitspifrHtQBih,  4l6ti}a9d  4dth  r«gune«its. 

^  .They,  efloc^MftUy  iUrpri§ed>lh«i?en«i»tyf'«p^ti at  Black 

^Bof^:?*l^orfl  ytUeyr  bwnt.iIiM  .l)l<>fiki  houwa<  itore^^fciar- 

fiAclwi.  dock-yavdx^^A  Vewel^  JbUt  tthil^fOpcu|>i6dMii 

s0C(i«it^f»tJpi&   rtoKCis  lo   earthy   litem  M«1fiiyj|ii/iiii^ir 

.l,))a,(|eaus,i.tl^  eoowy*  tl^th  4i  ufinfOrcenw^itO^  iMTiiia 

.^u^ld  i^orj^e  Indians  in  *he«ri*|ore^t»rU«defio«v«iiiofittfie 

i>|if  il^ujjdiflg  woods,  Opene^KB  j8maW>',fiirc  p.i^^.  >c*>hi- 

fi>ellfd  ^he  British  to  ^teOtli^ir  iretieat^fwitbitlieioss 

otf  4iMrt€Q»  raeli.  kilted,  a»4  a   MMiiideoaWdiJiptwber 

wo*nd«4  ^  ^woiig  jibie;  I  Im^tf)  Papti  Sawmd oiU)  I'bfi  I  Mie 

41st    regiment    severely,     and   Lieutenant    Colonel 

JMiX^.  tmritAUr.rrtmnl oBcen  '<»{  dwtif»«ttiilit;d;)ttierit, 

,mhm^'i\o9B  was  rowi)  regretted  by  thcfn^ditJarof.  Upper 

Canada^  with  whom  he  seems/ iohbr^l>tidn  a  fkwwrite 

Inspecting  Field  Officet-.Bevi^*  pieces  <rf  oridaaiMSe, 

itwo  hundred  standi  of  snfcaU  arn^s,  and  a  grekt  ^uaritity 

•  iif  stores  were  brought  away.   M    i^l.iiiioi  i'jjuucil^ 

jiThe  two  armies^  ^alBooat/^D  siglit^ofiigaohiothwrijife- 

Iftaaned  iaactivey  iratil  the  aririvalpf  tbe  Co%fairrti»'r*of 

the  Forces  from  Kington,  whrn  tl^e /speedy) ;rf>«%«    J v  • 

of  Fort;  George  was  confidently  expected.    ^''! '    ,Uc 

MernQni  to  ascertain  the  extent  of  the  enemy's  wWrks, 

jjKRd  the  m^aos  he  possessed:  of  defuUding  the  pg^^n 
which  he  occupied,  det^mi^d  t<»^,mftke  a  fuliiieB^oin- 
stration  m^  r§j!t  George;  and,  on»tiie  jmorriingdoftthe 
,24th  of /jjy^iFl  ^h«b  ariwy.  wa3  put  in  movemoikti  as  if 
upon -that  Fort  was  imnnediatetly  to  take 
le  British  drove  in  the  picquets,   several  of 


ass&! 


^vhicjh 

Upon 

'^slioi% 

into  ti 

doetn 

within 
ti^Dj') 
the  Ic 
'  assaul 
Ftirt  i 
on  an 
Georg 
own  r 
cbmpe 
tile  fro 

*  Gen 
'?  risftr,li 

vigHHW 

ifittin^i 

fiwhoi;^ 

Ohaun 

-  ficivnf  t 

loGcfatfCj 

>  Alnefiii 
00.  Low 

thoQsai 

•'Iiidiaji' 

iht  SfeC 


';i 


mp] 


^  ffl*  «n«W&U  f»HteV08T. 


©Iftr 


•#*«»-.  rf  vtO,t 


/^m-ikof  the  eiwiny,  y4ha,  afrtWrtj-h  si^f^^d  by  d  ftre 

Uponuhe  Brttbl¥froih  th«W  batt^^ries  dR  U,«  .opposite 

'-'sl/tw^,  d«clirt;gd  JeavIhg'lJje^irfciiii^rtchtftfentB  to  Vetttttre 

into  the  field.    Th^  Comiiiarider  oT^h*  Fbweg  did  not 

d«*n  itiadvUeable  to  risk  a  trtel  for  th*Wc«very^#f  that 

post,  ^icJh,  by  tlie'rmlfutMhyiiheenerrty'€io(>edup 

within  the  limit  of^ the  fort,  dpi»i ted  ft^oni  ftg  oMpa^ 

ti^o,  '^ag  rtot  of  aufficlem* moment  to  comfiensAte Ifor 

the  loss,  ttty»iBihi»hiifett8t  have  ^xperi^c^dfroW' ten 

assault.  V  Tile  mhtAe  f&rce  hi  th»  *«ighbourhd^d><of 

IVirt  ©eorg«  atthw  peitlod  did  i>ot  exceed, fm(fyi4n, 

on  an  extended  iinfr,  while  that  ofihe  en^my  in- Fort 

George,  exceoded  40001^  totally  Spending  uj^WHtheir 

own  reswirceg  for  tlie  6ubt)i«(eiice  of  their  ariiiy^i  and 

c6ropellc»d4o  fcct'solely  ow ihri^d^fengive^  (^wl  the  hds- 

Wle  front  assumed  by  ihe  Brttifeh  ik  their  fWigirtwkrttood: 

t  ' 'Geh.jHar?iso»ln  the  meoiMiiiwwa^bffitlla  SfmlS^ii^y 
-?  n^^r,'^inak^ipr^p^ailioliYito  tpnhMecHto  tft»  Hvar  w*tb 

ii^tfur)  ki dhn<Mrf^\gm^tftvvkoTfyf,iiQi9<M'eiPii\m  diet 

ihtia^(0()t>at  j£hfi^  (Pre»qu^idtt;i)!iij|idi^iOap|f^^ 

•  iwhoi/jkad)  i  |>«efa»'  «l^iiatcfc««t  iatftfthei».»b^  >C«itiifa©dtfi  e 

Chauncey  towards  the  fiiK*/offi^,n*i5ltottM^toe>ttt'^f- 
'  ficiTO<i<itifoiigta^»to.li;c»-apdMpt«Lwi«iutbe  *HMtd'.firces. 
loG«faiii!al,»racWir  ^kia  watAvedl  <tD  nmk«  fimbtbefi«^rt 
if(t/,  f^4frat>  iiifr'purjioie»  andr  immeaiatNdy  inves'tfedi^e 

Ataeitffcan  fFo»t<|at  Lbw^  Sandtfgkyidien'utidei'ltfhe 

of  LoweT  *°^"*^^**  ^i»^j0b  eirogtowi^  W|tlr<3i  foiice 

4n^4e^)!m^dM  tun'Mn,  awd^1ifet#WH"ifit^e4^ttfUr 
ithoosandif  ftdiaiifer  uiide>(Mn  msm^  aftld'  to*  <c^i^|i|^d 


^lUti  yvo'ib  (laijhU  ttilT     .o^islr; 


us 


Aso^MwarnvTairMtm^oiRVfL 


hoTKitaen .for  ItJue ipurpd^  of  .^^aOag^ : ti ^eii>rli  'm 4hfc 
^iiemjifaiivoEWsjJtJi^ilJIvkifil}  (thte  Indiana  > Jiaving'fceTi- 

vaiiaed(aiiper«eiww*'fc|y»  tlKt  ^ettiy  rtincieir:  ociveiT  v^fifa 
•iloudidf  smoke  idnheodistatiioe'  of)«igh(e«a  onttw^y 

idbtoljBo^wiitcJ^'TOiilcfe  IJit  ^slbtbrifiwi  libe  a^lailjinlslirltD 

iii^s»dl\^aaicecNXo-.the  KJtkterii  wovks^  i  begi^bijtotJccip^i&lo 
tiiei^iUdi^uv^eii  *a££rUo(f/gva{MiUugfe  ^ascfipe^jiedjfrwiii  a 

as  tbdarakie  ^)Uievditoki)li<siippDr4ed  ,iiriftkl^iisi»toK^dtIict 
deafidedpuotoioiKiv^iiiMigi  «he  lasBliJlliaiilsvwK^coinfi^M 

fcf^dei^sLi^mtenatiit^  1il61oiiiet>Skort/ntlik>  ())aJvei^iQffie«x^ 
'6hA  lift^i^ wd' tneHoktJibd  ond  I wissingiii j<Tilie  (iK«thMi^ 

«t^'F»»eioiV  sifter 'tliis  lUfmry  fibdih^liis  foiKJe<^^ 

t)«iate^ > tke >lkt!iifi^Ai imaeeu^oaned  it&iilUb . I<E)ii:«)p^$|i 
3it6d^t»£^^^isfai^3;MA<d  ibe  ^elayibfisdi^gd^  ^osvinglim;- 
^ti^nt^  land  Cieififenar^Hahidoa3;!jB)|}aia»  fgresttadU^^^e 
^ith  a  respectable  fQme^< thobgbt  (f)(p6|)ep.ilo>«fgit9e^.i|Ue 
iiiegeaod feUr« tof! Afttberstiffurgjtt^ajq^  ^ ijvt^y/uii  egw 
.JuaL    .'u.'jgiv  b'itjfi'jii*  4fai;  Ujia  b  /vl;> tvi  no';;)j5  <>rfi  iiMil'.s: 

^^'Captwe  of  ^'^^^^^^'^^^^  |n?tfie^L€we|f  Fitoviilpe  ^sfeyve 
}l^e" ^^imW'Otit  Qitm^iMi'iWbk  old  fortifwatioius  al'^M^e 
*Ea«te  9|»njg]|^.;;|^„^  N^iS^inf^Iiaficalfy  fernaed  tbe fey 
'^i^¥^^^xi€'  LoiiFer-OanaiAa^thftd  beew  repaired,  and 
^li^^gun-bbats(%^ni  tbither  fti^ni^i  Qo^bec.  Noma- 
^eridl'bi^ciirreiMetrans^i'ediiflfhyiidghbdrbobd  until 
^W^tRird  day  *)6f  Jiifli^''\^6n  «ady  in  the  morfting^ 

ef  laad  f(»*m«<l^  by  a  Hettiiki'thg  iiyei*  aboml  thro 


1618] 

l^ligiie 
crea)l|e^ 
Yaunde 
4pe<;tiiQ 
meut) 

IiiakteC 

ofiiliifei 
Smitbi 

i\m»M 

^thm 
'aiid^bai 

^attrisdj 
mtek  Cn 


was  bo 
when,  th 

^i<eteuti 
^Idk^sl 
'anc^  to 
»nik>cir 
kboarBinj 
4ng:|hex 

i^l..Al 1 

SUUUIUiFi 

Jed  tfcie  b 


ch  'miht 

iver*«ftfa 
fiAi  mhnae- 

edifreoua 
rftn'i  <3iftft- 

ns  jaJ4ijje 

ired,  and 
Na' ma- 
odd  until 
lorAing '» 


teiB] 


SIStJGSaDiRGA;'  FR£V0S3?. 


»l» 


Id^giiesrabore  ttlije.fttLBftd.  ItoThis .  vtipsti^l  appearance 
cre»«|e#  aa  »al«rti!ml  tUtf)  ^ahridbriiiiit.tWatvtiBi^icoiii- 
^aiidedjfcf^'UoiiteiiBmbHColoh«rfu€tearffe  .T«j^ 
^lpe<;ting^ield  lOfficBrri(ti»en  (Ma|i«r  iK  tW  lOOtbOE^egii. 
mewt),  jvbo  ap^rahendkig  firbinvpr^jiiciiis'p^vatfeiofoav 
Fhs^mti,  «  ctMRiibwed  >  attack  ^ihMoi  ttbe  tikvai  ibrfce; .dn 
Lafce  Champiaia^  ufad  the- thaopsr Itt  tlwjnei^KbophocM^ 
etfiilHfc.|j6stf  cafanianded  byithi.Bb'igd^^ 
Sinithi  1  «pd  C^rk*y)deteriiiuied  >  by>,a!id^oitive.  <knipiU 
ttotwitolairtieipale  tlteiviewsTof*be  etiemj^^ 
liaiearijeifuippiBg  the  three  g^ft.h«)al»;l3dng.uiieiri|)loyv 
edlfyfwant  of  fwahieii^  cai>ryin^«iadh  ai  carronade  (oiic 
»fthfi|B/ a*  eighteen,  Uhietwi)!  ©thi^rs  twejiwe  poundtEsJ 
add-havio^  aBajiaed^  itliftBi  ^itI?:«>Wkrj8<iitointiiiii>Reglr 
mf^t;^iikithf>eomM\^ffime^>^i€Mh  boa^,  proceeded 
t!>^  eit^age^tb^  enemy  roiiH  doubling  tiw  p^tfabprv^tfee 
^a^ieen,  juinioth^  vessel  /  was^>dfe8tiover«d>a  slwkft  diist- 
mek  fr^i»  tlil[ifa«m*r,?^hi«helrtoi©fl^ 
l^ing  land.  r/Ehii  diis9f)nflSj^y  did  fsdti  IjaweyeH  dtet«r 
fcteWt^'iG&l.  aiAytdr  from  fferseKearingari  hislfo^me^^>»fi&o- 
Jatisn^  aw^  th?5  b©atj<ha«in^  aihdaoced>  Si  spiittt^^^r 
gag«itfentc<*OTi  ensiiiedywhach^iirten  »i6fc  €a»tini*atkm, 
'^ksmspeaded inxm  A  deflti/eaMj; iofi^mmui^t ion, , thait 
was  however,   speedHyisiippiitd/fr^rnk  the  garrison^ 
when,  the  action  revived  with  augmented  vigour.  Lieut. 
Gol^s/I'sytorr.hadjjoii  leaiiintihe  garrisoii,^ taken  the 
^iteteu*ioif  lanttad  two  bateaux >M^iih  &  ^eiachmeat.of 
^Idktr^foi^^hiBiiiiiaiibk  purpose  ofrendvrifig  assist- 
lanc^  ta  iihe^guft  boats, in #e  evjntof  their  beitig^&itfe 
suok^or  di»»bled>  iifeiihe  engagement,   or  to  assist  in 
'boarfluiglif  itt8l«nddibQiif<]^at^;necessary ;  bu^on  see- 
angthe^-enefciy  maiKDeuvring.uptthe  ri,yei^,  v-ith  a  light 
-goutiieyiy  breei^jihy  jwuiiQfi  t'nfyrjil|eyBat€5y  approach 
Jsd  tfcte  banks  of  the  fiver,  (here  m<^re  than  a  mile  wide) 


1 120 


.TaAvsaTTiaDXirEXDxieF 


[fl8!3  I    1913] 


!  fae)(oii^mpt^Ts6neHoihoJ^(|«aiiliil^  mdi^dinefitadilbe 

t<<^  fthe!<ixrffctafon[>of>itiemu!WyiiaiBB}^  tiittf^thebien 
« the;  W©ait>si(ir>tif /Ibd  trivfe»i) ranite ntbal  ofjQcaptaid  'Ow- 
6  don,  ^wBdhrfeDcterfl  ttt^rQcced)Uf»^e  'iiTcar^>uiitilofi|}06iite 
•^4lifd>vbsaB4)S^  9tuisU»4>^  ftbeifik  iwitkitn^liU  a^ras.  ironii  el- 
,''lhefi^{Wu^>dO  »>[/iw  i  !  o  vrnon^  f)dl  'Jo  ojiol!  l/;vr£a  eri'^ 
afiiiw  ,b'>).i>,Ii.'finnjj  taorrf|ji,2lD>!H')7  sasrlt'io  'nfitqc)  arfJ  vc 
e'lfid^EliiscideltocbisftntB^diBAheir  fbTmlil  ab  tiie^p^Bt^of 
d^feiiEatioQ^  pwK[ir>cki)afid€ntri»t4>f6>fe^oo6ii!«Miietry'>bn 
» tHib  en«tDi^(a#Uiicy  &ltevilateiy>idp{iroticliiedi 'thei6tei#e. 

0  0[^9  guoliekiiia  iaaw}  meW  I  tii|^viHfe<airupeiic^biiied  >  fi^iith 
2  a  wdiridirectedtfive^fi'aBir'tiha^a'tbdatSfoF round  and 
2  gt-j^pr/^  GOibpktdy  ckcideel  <tifs>  iate»  of  thtbafftmn, 
8 '^hifib I  rothe '  h  fjneihy  'mosi  i ^al)ai|t9|^  o Icontestedi  ->  fpora 
z^halfio^EastoYiua^,  votitil  balf 'p^«l  itight^  i»i  tile-  iBomiag, 
^iarid^'4isliA>iiot<ffdrr«iider  bntsil'ftipiher  resistance  bdcame 
«'Qt^eiilyaaa:y»liilg{^dii«af^hef«efSjekbein^  run  agvothad 

1  totpi^eiKfntriieif  Hmkhig^d^^e^sfitoTfitfifpl^e  the  ilaB«i^i- 
r,«^  jEioqp«i)oj§W)ajiF^3€rh»«lEirnaiid  I£a^€;(/falil^iFtirds 

named  Shannon  and  Broke,  and  subseq^pallj  b^jf^oor- 
ders  from  the  Admiralty,  Chub  and  Finch)  fitted  out 
i?^ii5erffet^eaffipi^t^B^ft?^Ffti/^s^ce,  em^,i^mr 
-^Sg'^CT^^^pft^''  {«'^^tiiif,'»¥<^«M^1  iadHsiK^'^.)iWflg 
»-^%%Wkiis*i»i^SfqiJ>^  ^?i^'f<tei:aSh§,«witii';;q^i- 
'^^Mma^i  rli*{^tH4«n«aiJ^^'tapVfeb»a»?fl^%  company  of 
-'itf4Vi)i^^%liai^fiej*ffttftf!r^M\^^il%6^yfffl^&M^^ 


..  .uirkJj^t^^_-..'lkC^,<i^  ^-^^l|k!il  ti_ 


ryA  jAA.V<*fctf^u  I    ■'Tk.i.t.f 


.^.Itf 


ibcoasi 
siderai 

/manii 

Then; 

by  the 

Jtfluffof 

otbeiinii 
•jiiiteaiit 
bidthim 

TineVeifji 

9fa£tbd  1 

•igmsA  o 

regttla? 

.Chanlplai 


,pJaiii  ai: 

-'    *  InthlJ 

British.    1 

the  l(K>th  : 

■  Iftntry  Bfte 
♦u-  _»i ^ 

t:rc  UVMCr  J 

.longing  to 
oapture'd  I 


[fl8!3  I    1913] 


'  isiKicorciaaB  iRiKvasT* 


eUJ8l 


Jinedtixiilfae 

aptaid 'G«i'> 
\iit\  ofipositte 
ijnis>iroiBiel- 

qo  9rfJ  V 
IJievpdiQtJof 

nbiiied'f^iih 
?^rou»d  and 
the  2Cti»n, 
«9ted»'jfpora 
le-iBomiitg, 
nee  bdcame 
:un  agvoimd 

/falt^iFtirds 

ii)  fitted  out 

1th  ,,cy)iipii- 

company  of 

km  vm\H 

pdi^it^vCthe 
uti  G(^d#), 

sail  ilXMiJ-9it) 
'    a'  ;iiiri(iol. 


.Occasion,  were  highly r.a{)pIaudea-iibPliyti|i  €bio»e] 

T^lar?s«fficial  d«8patck^£hfiJbss.€»^^ 

siderabl©:  <iie(|)naonei!»almDudtfed<laionte>htiBd»dd  men 

»f  M'hom)inany  wierei Woundedv:;  tbrikilJeil  we*e  ihroifn 

»veT<^oani,-diiriiig  tliefflctioD.  <rOi>  tlwJxiapl^ffs,  4ioi a 

/man  was. ^killfed,  aw*  'Wily 4bre^< peverrfy  w<>»nded.1<*- 

The  naval  for^e  of  the  enemy  on  Lake  ChampWa  was, 

by  the  capture  of  these  ves8els,almost  annihilated,  while 

Jta«»rded  thelBritish  imtBediat&;a<iideffefctiiat  means 

iloi^  iftfibwweoopi^alionsnoiBAliatl Jjiake^  ^d  ;i<diddited 

ot!8«lanv&sijcm!«cdi|^ted:iM.Gtlie,iLDwsffjI^^Bc«  >  me 

bi»«?«%WV«a?jptwh6rfi,i^e>,ttver.  beoaftifes  isoihaifiwv  (as 

ffioaocelyfito  taffocdtraoiii  «».  manteitv^Lj^jtiii  safeljf^,  ijas 

:«evei|jijc«ft.<tdea*%ifri4€e'tiined. /,it)(iwasc1bough4ii4iis 

gBbnnwas^.tb  hivte ratlemptjed  to  aditfy  ,tiie  foWifipatiofas 

9(ag*hd  feJandibyi sunj:tni$fe,i«jfithailthi&approadbjof their 

bSlo©^  «tf 'WaKO'ii^JiBorfliprobabfy-tawcorB  tte.  pro-. 

i^tbbA  ofll  ad-figiiJar  ii^  foi^ce^x^tuaHyjitofnravepKjit 

ifwkii  ihM"PlW«fia  faitentidB  «i<:>e(J«cilig  tbe}pott  that  a 

reg«lart«egi?i38(jaa  bas  ,9^010  boB  noHn/idr.  boni^ 

"'.  *ftg^6^i^ir    <    ?^**^3Amem^ftp<Jm'nmei^t,5with  a  v^^^ 

an^^j^lagazi,?^^  at.^ifle,l^V^Q?fl%fllo^,#^ke  <^^ 
pbun,paiticgJarLy  at  auplinf^p^,  ^j^tuburgfe  g^^ 
pJain  and  S^'^^itoiv,|n'j^^,»eighbourljoodjof.|he  fron 


*  In  thlfe'^ffair  n6  itt^'tm  Vl^feeh  were  engaged  difthte  parf6^e 

the  KKHh  Regii^ent  had  beefl  efiga«ed.^  an  nuspicw«  omen  of  t& 
lantry  afterward^  rfi^Fayed^by  t4rwJfit,frfd6?&?|  irSSS^S'^f/h 

.longing  to  h,s  Westf  s  SBof)  of  M?  Alert;  some  tilie  XrlTX 
captured  by  the  U.  Stifte^^Frigsite  Ei«(ex,  were  on  boai^  fheseveS 


ijaa 


'igmtrnti'mim^n  ov 


pSFS  I  \sm} 


Bmbnrk 

capable 

VKtit  o] 

jaiaJoe  io 


NMH^i^^e^ittpdm  idfd^tf dyings  tlf^ity^  ag>^el|jai> to 
dl«<«v^  ^iMmskitfkh(^}A^ft»^y  iV^)fattiie>mp|tei»'4FitV! 

fikik'SP'^etB^H^  ^it  q)03d^ta<^im^tl/i«t«Blerith<i 
r^'fcti#'fet«to8ft^ds«<»f  ^l^at/C<iiiMte*i  ^IHi^ld^>»iMl 
Smelt,  commandiitg'Hife'ri^iiti^Jand  l«ft  win^t^tiies'.cd-i 
pedition,  with  some  artilli^ry  under  Capt.  GordoB,  and 
a  >(^  6f^'^lfl^i|eltilk>mi>C^  Mltiflr^ 7^fiitteajQQinifieiij''lhe 

s^^ftj^  t'fefe  Office,  moVed^llrten  Isle-^x^oM  for 

l^fm^ikmon  ^'mn  ^«tfdHl  %k%bui  ^oi^^U^  «t 
#ide*hbfe%ody  (rf'WeW/ifi^rted^iVlalltotit  fittSen  teW- 

ilJiki  ill.  -'tAltJ-i... i^^aJLl:ta^t.tJJiJL'^tlji     -uA^mk I  -^j^^^^  LfA  -  Li-  r^  A  .  -,fJ-j«  i 

^Itislhl '  Hwe^i*'  Cdlcb^l  IVftjiray  ;havi%  pifevbusl^  |  Al'Jal^,  ei 


to«U)dCk 
tachmeat 
thf  Bian 

«MMO   iM 

£xteeile]| 

Champla 
ments  of 

W»<feltftW 


ItBn  I  ist3j 


sm  tsimmn^m^imf* 


im 


;ed^to  ibem 
tfiiliiciiiQMxf 

Uktielerithe 
ordoB,aiid 
X^oii  for 


aW«;qitelitit3lMil*fo%i«drtll  Ibft  Al«»ifiH  ^ot  l»3l>»iQg  4e- 
ca|»bl»,of,fftaci^i*0ti4lt«pg  ^WwiflPWd^a  jSjV#iAb<W^«4 

|«j?iWie«iia|>fidlwi«li  Sonxi^hmmn^imm^m^ikmw  M»i 
platoe  into  tbe  iHn^st  ,wn5t«fln^ift|fl  .  ^!^YmB  ^3f^^i 
and  awtroiyied^  yimJ9^mj^t,Q^:thfii^^mg^49y9^,  f<w 

tachoww  to  CbampIaii^rfw|be|?W?|M^5^^ 

bn^^noO  jqnp  ^'.buv  ^itiifiJifi  saw,  rlJiw  .noirifo^q 

ChamplaintoM,ch,I,mack,nac)wa*,by,^hl#iW^ 
ments  of  the  Commissary  General,  Sir  W.  H.  Robin- 

wcki<bw>4iff^c|ionsij«o|waHg^  ^„p^^     ^l,^^y.p^ 


124  MmmmmATtim  ov 

Srom  whence  the  whole  tuppUes  for  the  Upper  Pro- 
vince,  were,  by  that  geotleiiMui,  forwarded  to  Kingtton, 
with  the  moft  iadefatifdfole  diltgenee.  To  intercept 
the  coDvoyi  of  batte«ux  with  provitiottt  from  that  post 
to  KtngitoR)  the  Anerieaai  bad  lent  several  croiiers 
and  privateen  firom  Sacket'i  Harbour  to  the  vicinity 
of  Prefcot,  and  among  tlie  Thousen4  J»land$,  Ou  the 
dOth  Jiriy,  the  enemy  having  succeeded  in  turpriting 
and  capturing  at  da^  break,  a  brigade  of  batteaux 
loaded  with  provisions  under  convoy  of  a  gun-boat, with 
which  they  retired  several  miles  up  Goose  Creeli,  on 
the  South  of  the  St.  Lawrence,  below  Gananoque, 
three  gun- boats  under  the  command  of  Lieut.  Scott  of 
the  Royal  Navy,  were  despatched  from  Kingston  witii 
a  detachment  of  the  100th  regt.  under  capt.  Martin,  with 
a  view  of  intercepting^  them  on  their  return  to  Sachet's 
Harbour.  The  proceeded  to  the  lower  end  o(  Long 
Aftiir  at  Island,  where,  having  ascertained  the  re- 
GoMe  Cwek.  ^f^f^^  of  the  enemy,  they  inomediately  posh- 
ed for  that  place,  but  before  they  came  in  sight  of  the 
American  vessels,  the  evening  was  too  far  advanced 
to  make  an  attack  with  any  prospect  of  success ;  it  was 
^lerelbre  determined  to  defer  the  attack  until  the  next 
morning. 

Another  gun  boat  arriving  in  the  course  of  the 
evening  with  a  detachment  of  the  41st  Regiment,  un- 
der Major  Frend,  ^Mrt  Officer  assumed  the  command, 
aiid  at  three  o'clock  the  next  morning,  proceeded  up 
the  Creek  with  tiie  gun  boats,  in  the  h^pes  of  gaining 
tile  enemy's  position  at  the  dawn  of  day.  They  pro- 
jceeded  until  the  channel  became  so  narrow  that  the 
gon  boats  could  neither  use  tbev  oars  nor  turn,  so  as 


fi8i3  I  im\ 

o|?§tru9 


*M     l>kt«ll 


«Im^ 


ifk  Vk^i 


#luk  l^nnlrtf     an^  a*   «B<ie 


mum 

'•iMMiitftHii 

nes,  Aid- 
had  aoaid 
teeiiwi  Iw 


iveigkbiirhi 
traai|}^iri* 


discovered  thi^  th(  enemy  iMd  taken  precautions  to 


:'^-:ti;js 


m 


SIR 

"IV 


^fg#r«iilH?f. 


.99if 


imi^f,^m^  than  ,i|w,v«a4ure,^.  tU4  QftJ^^^ 
fiZll  <^^tiOr,  .*e^mWr|^d  the  tr^,  *i4ir«lr^ 

nes,  Aid-de-Camp  to  the  Commander  of  the-J'iweefc 
wt^  ft«>i!ti%^o«Jnded,^  .SFWfegaJiant,  youiig?««cer, 
W  B4i^hf^lyi^f^^m$ior^  Fiiesd  in.|mrsoit  of.W 

teeiW ;lii»c»iM|p.Tf|p^,to  asskt  in  acco«i|>li8itt8g  fak  p^j^ 
0««^|fl?be  *ifwi)i^  EBifc^Wei^  |,y  .tb«  mmeut^ 

neigibii-bwod  io  atlie  «M9|^aiicei  of  th«i€oBip||SiirMt 


'^isc^^js  .^'l  r 


■*■." 


IVw^^iwrncci  aito|cliil?%  p^ifco. 


m  i-*'' 


h'f 


126 


ADMINISTRATION    OV 


[1813     I    J913J 


4P 


tary  opportunity  of  checking  their  temerity.     Seven 
Companies  of  the  100th  Regiment  under  the  command 
of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Taylor,  on  their  route  from 
Islie-aux-Noix,  to  Upper  Canada,  arriving  in  the  mid- 
dle of  August  at  Prescot,  Lieutenant  Colonel  Pearson 
in  command  at  that  post,  had  previous  orders  to  form 
an  expedition  in  conjunction  with  the  detachment  un- 
der that  Officer,  and  about  eighty  seamen  that  were 
to  have  been  there  at   the  same  time,,  (on  their  route 
from  Quebec  to.  Lake  Erie,  to  man  the  fleet  on  that 
Lake  under  Captain  Barclay,)*  in  order  to  dislodge 
the  enemy  from  Goose  Creek,  and  to  scour  the  Thou- 
sand Islands  infested  by  his  Privateers.     The  seamen 
not  arriving  so  soon  as  expected,  and  the  urgency  of 
the  service  in  the  Upper  Province,  requiring  the  imme- 
diate advance  of  this  reinforcement  of  troops,  there 
was  no  time  for  delay,  and  the  expedition  consisting 
of  five  gun  boats,  with  upwards  of  400  men  under  the 
command  of  Lieutenant  Colonels  Pearson  and  Taylor, 
immediately^  sat  out  for  Goos   Creek,  which  the  ene- 
my  precipitately   abandoned   upon   their  approach. 
From  thence  they  cruised  for  some  time   among  the 
Thousand  Islands^  and  visited    Gravelly  Point  in  the 
vicinity  of  Sacket's  Harbor.     This  excursion  proved 
of  material  importance  to  the  security  of -the  transport 
of  provision  and  stores  destined   f<jjr  the  Upper-Pro- 
vince, as  the  enemy's  cruisers  did  not  for  the  remain* 
der  of  the  present  campaign  infest  these  waljgrs. . 

On  Lake  Ontai*io  the  two  Naval  Commanders  strovfe 
with  indefatigable  emulation  for  the  dominion  of  the 

Z   *  It  has  been  asserted  that  the  Seamen  here  alluded  to,  never  reached 
Xake  Erie,  as  it  was  found  expedient  to  detain  them  at  Kingston  for  the 


Lake. 
Fort  G 
the  equ 
sary  Si 
the  Brit 
with  ah 
Sir  Jan 

Naval  DC 
trnces  on  ] 
Ontario. 

unobser 

probabl 

(ape  of 

ed  for  r< 

until  nij 

alarm  tc 

him  to  r( 

ton.  To 

appeared 

Commoc 

artillery, 

Colonel 

with  a  vi 

lington  I 

Niagara' 

nient  unc 

against  tl 

by,  comi 

notified 

Adjutant 

a  march 

forcemen 


[1813   I   J813J 


MIt  GBOROE   PREVOSt. 


im 


y.  Seven 
^  command 
route  from 
n  the  mid- 
el  Pearson 
TS  to  form 
:hment  un- 
that  were 
their  route 
let  on  that 
to  dislodge 
the  Thou- 
'be  seamen 
urgency  of 
1  the  imme- 


)ops, 


there 


consisting 
under  the 
nd  Taylor, 
h  the  ene- 
approach. 
among  the 
oiiKt  in  the 
iion  proved 
e  transport 
Jpper-Pro- 

the  remaiu- 

■(■■ 

s^rs. 

ders  strove 
nion  of  the 

,  never  reached 
[ingston  for  the 


Lake.    Commodoi%   Chauncey  after  the  capture  of 
Fort  George,  returned  to  Sacket's  Harbour  to  await 
the  equipment  of  his  new  ship  the  Pike,  while  hh  adver- 
sary Sir  James  Yeo,  scoured  the  Lake,  and  supplied 
the  British  army  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Fort  George 
with  abundance  of  stores.    In  the  early  partofi  July,, 
Sir  James  fitted  out  an  expedition  of  boats  (6v  Sacket's 
Naval  occur-  Harbour,  with  a  view  of  cutting  out  their 
rj^rcesonLake  „ew   ship,   then  almost  pigged   and  rea- 
dy to  appear  on  the  Lake.    H«  arrived 
unobserved  at   the  vicinity  of  that  por^,  and  would 
probably  have  effected  his  purpose  had    not  the  es- 
cape  of  two  deserters  from  his  party,  which  had  land- 
ed for  refreshments,  and  in  ouder  to  remain  concealed 
until  night  should  favour  the  enterprise,  given   the 
alarm  to  the  enemy.  ^  This  unlucky  incident  induced 
him  to  relinquish  the  Hpdertaking  and  return  to  Kings- 
ton. Towards  the  end  of  July  the  American  fleet  again 
appeared  with  augmented  force  upon  the  Lake,  and 
Commodore  Ghauncey  having  received  a  company  of 
artillery,  with  a  considerable  number  of  troops  under 
Colonel  Scott,'  proceeded  for  the  head  of  the  Lake, 
with  a  view  of  seizing  and  destroying  the  stores  at  Bur- 
hngton  Heights,  the  principal  depot  of  the  army  on  the 
Niagara-  Frontier,  then  occupied  by  a  small  detach- 
ment under  Major  Maule.     The  design  of  the  enemy 
against  this  depot  being  suspected,  Lieut.  Col.  Batters- 
by,  commanding  the  Glengary  regiment,  upon  being 
notified  to  that  effect  by  Lieut.  Col.  Harvey,  Deputy 
Adjutant  General,  moved  forward  from  York,  and  by 
a  march  of  extraordinary  celerity  arrived  with  a  rein- 
forcement in  time  to  save  the  depot,  which  the  enemy, 
—  «t.-«iii^  ziis.  xjTiiusii  ivniiy  ixf  jcccive  iiiem,  did  not 


*■ 


128 


ADMINISTRATION   OF 


[181^     I      1613] 


deem  it  prudent  to  attack.  Commoclore  Chauncey  on 
learning  that  York,  by  the  advance  of  Lieut.  Col.  Bat- 
tersby  to  Burlington  Heights,  was  left  destitute  of 
troops,  seized  the  opportunity  and  bore  away  for  that 
port,  which  he  entered  on  the  31  st  of  July.  Here  the 
Americans  landed  without  opposition,  and  having  taken 
possession  of  the  small  quantity  of  stores  found  at  that 
place,  they  set  fire  to  the  barracks  and  public  store 
houses,  and  having  re-embarked  *  their  troops,  bore 
away  for  Niagara.  It  is  a  coincidence  of  circumstances 
worthy  of  notice,that  on  the  same  dayin  which  the  Ame- 
rican Commander  was  employed  in  burning  the  bar- 
racks and  stores  at  York,  Lieut.  Col.  Murray  was  not 
less  actively  employed  on  the  same  business  at  Platts- 
burgh.  The  British  fleet  sailed  from  Kingston  on  the 
last  day  of  July,  with  supplies  fo^the  army  at  the  head 
of  the  Lake,  and  on  the  eighthof  August  looked  into 
Niagara,  where  the  enemy's  fleet  lay  moored.  The 
latter  hove  up,  and  bore  down  upon  the  British  fleet 
with  which  they  manoeuvred  until  the  tenth,  when  a 
partial  engagement  ensued,  in  which  two  small  vessels, 
of  forty  men  each,  (the  Julia  and  Growler)  were  cut 
off  and  captured  by  the  British. 

Commodore  Chauncey  somewhat  disheartened  with 
the  loss  of  these,  and  two  other  smalt  vessels^  the 
Scourge  of  eight,  and  Hamilton  of  nine  guns,  upset  by 
a  press  of  sail  to  escape,  with  the  loss  of  all  hands,  ex- 
cept sixteen  men  picked  up  by.  the  British,  bore  up  for 
Niagara,  from  whence  he  sailed  almost  immediately 
for  Sacket's  Harbour,  where  he  arrived  on  the  thir- 
teenth of  August.  Here  he  provisioned  his  fleet,  and 
instantly  made  sail  for  Niagara,  where  he  remained  at 
ttuchor  untU  the  British  neet  appeared  oa  that  Har= 


[1813    I      1813] 


Sm  QEORGE  i>Riy08T. 


120 


bour  :  early  in  the  morning  of  the  seventh  of  Septem- 
ber, when  the  American  fleet  again  weighed  and  bore 
down  upon  the  British,  with  which  they  manceuvred 
until  the  twelfth,  when  the  latter  returned   into  Am- 
herst Bay  near  Kingston.     During  these  five  days,  but 
few  shots  were  exchanged  between  the  larger  ships, 
without  any  injury  to  either  side.     The  Americans^ 
however,  had  much  the  advantage  in  weight  of  met^ 
and  Jong  guns.     The  fleets  again  met,  on  the  28th  of 
September  off*  York,  when  an  engagement  ensued  fop 
near  two  hours,  in  which  the  Wolfe,  commanded  by 
bir  James  L.  Yeo,  lost  her  main  and  mizen  topmasts, 
and  would  probably  have  been  captured,  had  not  the 
Koyal  George,  commanded  by  captain  Mulcaster,  run 
m  between  the  Wolfe  and  the  Pike,  taking  the  latter 
m  a  raking  position,  so  as  to  afibrd  the  Wolfe  an  op- 
portunity of  hauling  off- and  dealing  away  the  wreck. 
1  his  affair  terminated  in  the  retreat  of  the  British  fleet 
under  Buriington  Heights,  whither  the  enemy  did  not 
thmk  proper  to.  pursue  it :  a   resolution,   which  if 
adopted  by  the  American  Commander  might  proba- 
bly have  been  fetal  to  the  British  fleet  on  Lake  Onta- 
rio.    On  the  1  st  of  October,  the  American  fleet  set  sail 
from  Fort  George  with  a  convoy  of  troops  for  Sacket's 
Harbour,  where  an  expedition  was  preparing,  whose 
destination  was  as  yet  unknown.     The  British  fleet  left 
their  anchorage  under  Buriington  Heights  on  the  next 
day,  and  came  in  sight  of  the  enemy,  but  no  attempt 
Was  made  to  bring  on  a  general  engagement.     The 
American  fleet  in  their  w^y  to  Saeket's  Harbour  fell  ia 
With,  and  captured  five  small  vessels  out  of  seven,  with 
upwards  of  250  men  of  De  Watte ville's  Regiment  from 
iork,  bound  for  Kingston,  where  aa  attack  was  appre- 

11* 


130 


ADMINISTRATION  OV 


[1813-    I    18ia] 


/ 


hended.  This  loss,  though  apparently  trifling  in  itself, 
was  severely  felt,  by  reason  of  the  few  forces  in  the  Up- 
per-Province. For  the  remainder  of  the  season  noth- 
ing of  moment  occurred  on  this  Lake ;  and  indeed  the 
Naval  Commanders  appear  to  have  considered  the 
question  of  too  great  importance  to  their  respective 
Governments  to  stake  the  fate  of  war  in  Upper-Canada, 
upon  a  decisive  naval  engagement. 


CHAPTER  VJ. 

JNsval  Engagement  on  lake  Erie.  Evacuation  of  Detroit  by  the  BritislT, 
Battle  at  the  Moravian  Village  and  defeat  of  General  Proctor.  The 
British  raise  the  investment  of  Fort  George.    Invasion  of  Lower-Ca- 

*  liada  by  Gen.  Hampton,  and  the  defeat  of  the  enemy  at  Chateauguay 

•  by  Lieut.  Col.  De  Salaberry.    Wilkinson's  Expedition.     Battle  of 
.    Chrystler's  Farm.  Retreat  of  the  Americans  to  Salmon  River.  Gen. 

Prummond  assumes  the  Command  in  Upper-Canada.  Americans 
evacuate  Fort  George.  British  surprise  and  capture  Fort  JNi&> 
^ara. 


THE  campaign  towards  the  autumn  assumed  a  mart 
systematic  and  menacing  character.  At  the  be- 
ginning of  September,  the  forces  at  Burlington  (Vei> 
fiiont)  under  General  Hampton,  moved  across  Lake 
Champlain  to  Plattsburgh,  with  a  view  of  penetrating 

.__ .      ..       J.   >_«_^   ^f  mir^ -A.._^_i    __i-!i^  r;i___ i  iXTnt-i » 


with  ] 

ing  un 

strong 

teau  ai 

to  be 

Generj 

on  the 

the  An 

ry,  at 

and  to 

in  the 

clay,  w 

mand  o 

the  Am 

Bar  at 

without 

August, 

Point,  \ 

and  crc 

my  rea< 

squadrc 

the  equi 

modore 

the  Lak 

tember, 

burgh,  i 

every  e^ 

British  i 

bourhoc 

pended 

other  al 

With  thi 


VtS     iii\i      iff-: 


[1813-    I    1819] 


■IX  OCORQE  PBEVOST. 


tSi 


;  in  itself, 
m  the  Up- 
son notl>- 
ndeed  the 
Jered  the 
•espective 
-Canada, 


jrtheBritislr, 
roctor.  Tlie 
f  Lower-Ca- 
:)hateauguay 
•  ,.  Battle  of 
River.  Gen. 
Americans 
e  Fort  Wia- 


led  a  mort 
At  the  be- 
ton  (V€i> 
TOSS  Lake 
enetrating 

iimi-i - 

7?  HjkiHiVif 


With  10,000  men  at  Sacket's  Harbour,  was  prepar- 
ing under  the  immediate  direction  of  General  Ann- 
strong  the  Secretary  of  War,  a  numerous  flotilla  of  bat- 
teau  and  Durham  boats,  for  an  expedition  supposed 
to  be  destioed  either  against  Kingston  or  Montreal 
Oeneral  Harrison  tvith  an  army  of  eight  tlwusand  men 
on  the  Miami  river,  only  waited  for  the  equipment  of 
the  American  fleet  fittiiig  out  under  Commodore  Pep. 
ry,  at  Presqu'Isle,  to  move  his  forces  against  Detroit, 
and  to  carry  on  offensive  operations  against  the  British 
in  the  neighbourhood  of  Lake  Erie.     Captain  Bar- 
clay who  had  early  in  the  summer,  assumed  the  com. 
mandofthe  British  squadron  on  Lake  Erie,  blockaded 
the  American  fleet,  so  as  to  prevent  their  crossing  <he 
Bar  at  Presqu'Isle  (which  the  enemy  could  not  effect 
without  unshipping  their  guns,)  until  the  conclusion  of 
August,  when  having  occasion  tobea*-  away  for  Lonir 
Point,  the  enemy  seized  the  moment  of  his  absence 
and  crossed  the  Bar.    Finding  on  his  return  t|ie  ene, 
my  ready  for  the  Lake,  and  too  powerful  for  his  smaU 
squadron,  he  bore  away  for  Amherstburgh,  to  await 
the  equipment  of  theDetriot  recently  launched.  Com- 
modore Perry  sailed  shortly  after  him  for  th.  head  of 
the  Lake,  and  appeared  at  the  commencement  of  Sep- 
tember, for   several   days  successively  off  Amherst- 
burgh, in   defiance   of  the  British  squadron,  retirins: 
every  evening  to  his  anchorage  at  Put-in-Bay.     The 
British  forces  in  the  Michigan  Territory,  and  its  neigh- 
bourhood, falling  short  of  suppUes  for  which  they  de- 
pended solely  upon  the  fleet,  Captain  Barclay  had  no 
other  alternative  than  to  risk  a  general  engagement. 
With  this  resolution,  he  made  sail  from  Amherstbuiirh 
-.-x.  »*iv  vii  rJvjpiviiiwwj ,  maiiuea  wiiii  only  fifiy  or  sixty 


:i 


132- 


AI>anNISTIUTION   OF 


seamen^  (including  a  small  reinforcement  of  thirty-six 
men  from  Lake  Ontario)  and  Detachments  from  the 
Naval  action  41stj  and  Royal  Newfoundland  Regiments, 
on  Lake  Erie,  as  marinesi  On  the  tenth  in  the  morning 
the  enemy's  fleet  were  descried  at  anchor  in  Put-in- 
Bay^i  which  immediately  weighed  and  bore  down  up- 
on the  British  squadron,  while  the  wind  blowing  a 
gentle  breeze  from  the  South  West,  veering  round  to 
the  South  East,  gave  the  enemy  the  weather-gage.  At 
a  quarter  before  twelve,  the  British  commenced  firing, 
which  was  in  ten  minutes  afterwards  returned  by  the 
enemy  who  bore  up  for  close  action.  The  engage^ 
ment  continued  with  unabated  fury  until  half  ^  ttwo, 
when  the  enemy's  principal  ship,  the  Lawrence,  being 
rendered  unmanageable,  Commodore  Perry  left  her  in 
charge  of  his  first  Lieut.  Yarnal,  and  hoisted  his  Pen- 
dant on  board  the  Niagara.  Soon  after  this  officer  had 
left  the  Lawrence  her  colours  were  struck,  but  the  Bri- 
tish from  the  weakness  of  their  crews  and  destruction 
ol  their  boats,  were  unable  to  take  possession  of  her. 
II  was  at  this  anxious  and  interestingjuncture,  that  the 
fate  of  the  day  seemed  to  poise  in  favor  of  the  British ; 
and  Commodore  Perry  even  despaired  of  the  victory, 
when  a  sudden  breeze  revived  his  hopes,  and  turned  the 
scale  in  his  favor.  This  fortunate  Commander  find- 
ing the  Niagara  had  sufiered  lightly  in  the  engage- 
ment, made  a  desperate  eflfort  toretreivethe  fortune  of 
the  day,  and  taking  advantage  of  the  breeze,  shot  ahead 
of  the  Lady  Prevost,  Queen  Charlotte  and  Hunter, 
raking  them  with  her  starboard  guns,  and  engaged  the 
Detriot,  which  being  raked  in  all  directions  soon  be- 
came unmana«yeable.  The  Niagara  then  bore  round 
»head  of  the  Queen  Charlotte,  and  hauling  up  on  the 


[1813    I     18131 


SIR    GEOKGB    PRETOST. 


133; 


Starboard  tack,  engaged  that  Ship,  giving  at  the  same 
.time  a  raking  fire  with  her  larboard  guns  to  the  Chip- 
pawa  and  Little  Belt,  while  the  smaller  vessels  closing 
to  grape  and  canister  distance,  maintained  a  tremend- 
ous and  most  destructive  fire.  This  masterly,  and  but 
^o  successful  manoeuvre  decided  the  contest.  Capt 
Barclay,  being  severely  and  dangerously  wounded^ 
Captain   Finnis   of  the  Queen  Charlotte,  killed,  and 

I'^u^  ^TT^'t''  ^"^  ^^"^"  ^^^^"*^  »»  command, 
either  killed  or  disabled,  the  Detriot  and  Queen  Charl 

k>tte,  perfect  wrecks,  after  a  desperate  engagement  of 
upwards  of  three  hours,  were  compelled  to  surrender, 
«y  this  decisive  action,  the  whole  of  the  British  squad- 
ron on  Lake  Erie  was  captured  by  the  enemy,  who 
now  became  uncontrollable  masters  of  the  Lake. 
The  enemy  lost  in  this  action  twenty-seven  men  in  kil- 
led and  ninety-six  men  wounded.  The  British  lost 
three  officers  and  thirty-eight  men  killed,  and  nine  offi- 
cers  and  eighty.five  men  wounded. 

The  Prisoners  were  landed  at  Sandusky  and  treated 
with  the  greatest  humanity  by  the  American  I  ommo- 
dore,  who  paroled  Captain  Barclay,  and  treated  that 
^gallant  officer  with  all  the  kindness  and  attention  which 
his  unsuccessful  bravery  deserved. 

The  army  in  possession  of  the  Michigan  Territory 
and  the  neighbourhood  of  Detroit,  by  this  disastrous 
defeat,  were  deprived  of  every  prospect  of  obtaining 
future  supplies  from  Kingston  by  way  of  Lake  Onta- 
rio, and  a  speedy  evacuation  of  Detroit  and  a  retreat 

towards   the  head  of  that  r.nl.*.   l.^^o :„...:._,... 

'commodore  Perry,  as  soon  after  the  engagement  as. 


134 


UDMINISTBATION   OF 


[1813 


circumstances  would  admit,  transported  the  American 
forces  under  the  command  of  General  Harrison,  from 
Portage  River  and  Fort  Meigs,  to  Put-in-Bay,  from 
whence  they  were  conveyed  to  the  neighbourhood  of 
Amherstburgb,  which  they  occupied  on  the  evening  of 
the  23d  of  September,  General  Proctor  having  pre- 
viously fallen  back  upon  Sandwich,  after  setting  fire  to 
the  Navy  Yard,  Barracks  and  Public  Stores,  at  the  for- 
mer place.  General  Proctor  seeing  the  enemy  deter- 
mined to  follow  up  his  first  success,  by  an  immediate 
inarch  upon  Detroit,  found  his  troops  void  of  resour- 
ces, too  reduced  in  numbers  to  make  a  stand  and  dis- 
pute occupancy  of  that  Post  against  the  overwhelming 
force  of  the  enemy.  He  therefore  determined  to  re- 
treat along  the  river  Thames  toward  the  head  of  Lake 
Evacuation  Chitariov  Ott  September  26th  he  evacuated 
of  Detriotby  Detroit  and  Fort  Sandwich,  and  com- 
menced his  retreat  toward  the  Thames,  hav- 
ing entirely  destroyed  the  pubHc  stores  at  those  posts. 
In  this  reverse  of  fortune  the  Indians  under  Colonel 
Elliot  of  the  Indian  Department,  with  Tecumseh,  still 
adhered  to  his  standard  with  unshaken  fidelity,  and  co- 
vered his  retreat.  Harrison  occupied  Sandwich  on 
the  following  day  (the  27th  Sept.)  and  on  the  second 
of  October  marched  in  quest  of  the  shattered  remains 
of  the  Bi-itisb  Forces  under  General  Proctor,  escort- 
ed by  a  number  ©rbatteaux,  and  three  guurboats,  un^ 
der  the  immediate  direction  of  Commodore  Perry. 
On  the  4th  of  October,  he  came  up  with  the  rear  guard 
of  the  British,  and  succeeded  in  capturing  the  whole 
of  their  ammunition  and  stores.  General  Proctor, 
«nder  this  second  reverse  of  fortune,  by  which  he  was 
k£t  destitute  of  the  means  of  subsistence  ajud  defence, 


1813; 

found 

nant  < 

accor< 

the  T] 

lage,) 

ported 

distan< 

by  th< 

The  in 

dry  an 

ed  the 

ingof 

miles  fa 

three  b 

and  by 

men,  cj 

ingloric 

in  two  J 

posed  t 

tence^  ai 

try,  on 

from  th< 

ty  throi 

at   full 

ed  befoi 

Battle  at 
Moravian 
'age,  and 
feat  of  Ge 
ral  Proctoi 

ly  routei 
selves  pr 
Staff,  SOI 
mean  tin 


1813] 


SIR    GEORGE    PREVOST. 


American 
on,  from 
iay,  from 
irhood  of 
veiling  of 
nng  pre- 
ingfire  to 
tthe  for- 
ny  deter- 
nmediate 
f  resour- 
[  and  dis- 
kvhelming^ 
ed  to  re- 
i  of  Lake 
vacuated 
nd  com- 
mes,  hav- 
ose  posts. 
r  Colonel 
nseh,  still 
^i  and  co- 
idwich  on 
lie  second 
i  remains 
r,  escort- 
)oats,  un^ 
e  Perry, 
ear  guard 
the  whole 
Proctor, 
:h  he  was 
d  defence, 


found  himself  compelled  to  stake  the  fate  of  the  rem 
nant  of  h.s  small  army  on  a  general  engagement    He 
acxordmgly  assumed  a  position  on  thf  ^  b-^^f 

age?tr^^^^^  f  ^^^'«°  '^-'^    (an'indian  vi^. 

pTtibJf^^^  sup- 

ported by  a  field  piece,  his  right  on  a  swamo  atthT 

b; T:hon^^^^^^^  r  ^  '"^^^^  Hver,7n7L"M 
by  the  whole  Indian  force  attached  to  ^he  division 
The  intermediate  ground  covered  with  lofty  trees  Z 
dry  _a„d  somewhat  elevated.    In  this  posit  1^;^ 

three  W..„,  ^^17:^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 
and  by  crossing  a  number  of  infantry  behi  nd  fhTi,  ^    ' 
-en,  came  up  with  the  British  in  thTaf  e  noo„  o^^^^^^^^^^^ 
inglorious  day.     General  Harrison  drew  «p  his  1' 
in  two  lines,  and  secured  his  left  d.nh     Jl  ° 

ed  before  the  latter  had  time  to  discharge  their  S 

Battle  at  the  fire.     By  this  cavalrv  ch^vJ^  J\u 
Moravian  Vii.  ^„  .,    /         tavairy  charge  of  the  ene- 

Jagc,  and  de-  f^^'  ^he  troops,  worn  down  with  fatigue  and 
<e«of  w  hunger,  and  dispirited  by  .he  un^^-^ 

y  routed  and  for  the  most  part,  surrendered  them- 

stff  P"T?' «■•'"«  «-  General,  a«l  hil  perso  ,^ 
Staff,  sought  their  safety  in  flirfit.    Tl-  t...,:.-    ■     .T 

mean  time,  carried  on  the  contest  with 'tiirTeft  of  the 


136 


ADMINISTRATION   OF 


[1813 


American  line,  with  furious  determination  ;  but  these 
faithful  allies,  finding  all  hopes  of  retrieving  the  day  to 
be  in  vAin,  yielded  to  the  overwhelming  numbers  of  the 
enemy,  and  relunctantly  left  the  field.  They  however  re- 
mained in  the  neighbourhood,  and  harrassed  the  ene- 
«iy  on  his  retreat  to  Detroit  and  Sandwich,  whither  he 
returned  immediately  after  the  action.  The  British  are 
said  to  have  lost  twelve  killed  and  twenty-two  wound- 
ed.    The  Americans  stated  their  own  loss  at  seven  kil- 
led  and  twenty-two  wounded.     Thirty-three  Incjians 
were   found  dead   upon  the  field ;  among  them  the 
famous  chief  and  warrior  Tescumseh,  not  less  cele- 
brated for  his  humanity,  a  virtue  little  known  among 
Indians  in  a  state  of  war,  than  by  his  bravery,  his  elo- 
quence, and  his  Influence  among  our  Indian  allies.  Up- 
wards of  six  hundred  of  the  British,  including  twenty- 
five  officers,  were  made  prisoners  of  war.     They  who 
-escaped,  made  the  best  of  their  way  to  Aiwiaster,  at 
the  head  of  the  Lake  Ontario,  exposed  at  an  inclement 
season,  to  all  the  horrors  of  a  dreary  wilderness,  of  hun- 
ger and  famine.    On  the  seventeenth  of  October,  they 
rendezvoused  at  that  place  to  the  number  of  two  ^n- 
dred  and  forty-six  including  the  General  and  se^ifa- 
iteen  officers.* 


*  The  American  official  statement  of  th»  number  of  prisoners  tak«* 
in  this  affair,  almost  exactly  coincides  with  tlie  British  accounts.  Gen. 
Harrison  in  his  Official  Despatch,  says,  «'  I  left<he  army  before  j»  of- 
ficial return  of  the  prisoners,  and  that  of  the  killed  andwound^was 
made  ont.  It  was  however  ascertained  that  the  former  amoijlhted  to 
Bix  hundred  and  one  regulars,  including  twenty-five  officers.  Our  loss 
i3  seven  kUled  and  twenty-two  wounded,  five  of  wliich  died  since. 
Of  the  British  troops,  twelve  were  kUled  and  twenty-two  wounded. 
The  Indians  suffered  mo«<t— thirty-three  of  them  having  been  found  up- 
on the  ground,  besides  those  killed  on  the  retreat." 


The  British  loss  can  be  ascertained  from  the  following  extract  how  s   j,.j^  ^  ^^^ 


£1813     I    IQ23J 


Sia  GEORGE  PaEVOST. 


3ut  these 
e  day  to 
ersofthe 
pvever  re- 
[  the  ene- 
hither  he 
rkish  are 
>  wound- 
ieven  kil- 
:  In()ians 
them  the 
less  cele- 
'n  among 
^,  his  elo- 
Hies.  Up- 
g  twenty- 
rhey  who 
(<iaster,  at 
incleraeiit 
ss,  ofhun- 
•ber,  they 
two  |#n- 
,nd  seJi?|fl- 

soners  taJs^i 
counts.  Gen. 
before  m  of- 
troundJl  was 
amoilnted  to 
rs.  Our  loss 
I  diedsiQce. 
vo  wounded. 
en  found  up- 

extnici  uoa 


13T 


This  disaster  of  the  British  arms  in  that  quarter 
seems  not  to  have  been  palliated  by  those  precautions! 
and  that  presence  of  mind,  which,  even  in  defeat,  rel 
fleets  lustre  upon  a  Commander.  The  bridges  and 
roads  ,n  the  rear  of  the  retreating  army  were  left  en- 
tire,  whde  its  progress  was  retarded  by  an  useless  and 
cumbrous  load  of  baggage.  Whether  the  nedect 
sprung  from  a  erroneous  contempt  of  the  enemy,  or 
from  disobedience  of  the  orders  of  the  Commanding 
Officer,  IS  not  well  understood ;  but  the  defeat  led  to 
the  harshest  recrimination,  and  involved  the  division  of 
the  brave  troops  that  had  hitherto  served  with  honor 
m  the  Michigan  territory,  in  undeserved  disgrace. 

Notwithstanding  these  events  the  British  itill  retain- 


the  General  Order  of  the  Commander  of  the  Forces  of  the  a4th  of  No. 
vembe.^  1813,  relative  to  General  Proctor's  defeat  on  the  5th  of  Octo- 
ber|  1813.  ■ 

Killed,  wounded,  and  missing  in  the  retreat  and  in  the  action  of  the  &th 

of  October,  1813.  '' 

1  Inspecting  Field  Officer,  1  Deputy- Assistant-Quarter-Master  Ge- 

neral,  1  Fort  Adjutant,  1  Hospital-Mate,  1  Lieut.  Colonel,  6  Captains. 

12  Lieutenants,  3  Ensigns,  1  Pay-Master,  1  Assistant  Surgeon,  34  Ser^ 

jeants,  13  Drummers,  659  Rank  and  File,  46  Horses.*  »  *«  «er^ 

.Assembled  at  Mcaster  on  the  17th  October,  1813 

uL^S"?^"^^'  ^'•'"'''^  ^"^**''  *  "^^-^^  ^^^P'  i  staff  Adju. 

ant,  3  Captains,  5  Lieutenants,  2  Ensigns,  1  Adjutant,  1  Quarter  Mas. 
F^f^'Cl    ''^''°''  '"'^^J^^^'  »O™«««»e«,204^Rank^d 

Total  strength  of  the  Right  Division  on  the  lOth  of  September,  1813 

I  Major-General,  1  Inspectiiig-Field-Officer,   1  Major  of  Bri«»d«  t 

Deputy-^sistaat-Quaiter-Master-General,  1  Aid-de-Camp,  1  Stf^Id- 

JtUant,    Fort-Adjutant,  1  Hospital-Mate,  1  Lieut.  Colone^^  9  clpfat  * 

20  lieutenants,  5  Ensigns,  1  Pay-Master,  1  Adjutant,  1  iarter-Z. 

File,"i»  Horses."  "'^^'^""""*  ""•''^"''  ''''  ""^^^^^rVM  R&nk  and 

12 


138 


ADMINISTRATION   OF 


[1813      I      1813] 


ed  possession  of  Micliilimackinac,  which  secured  our 
influence  over  the  Indian  Tribes  of  the  West,  and  tho' 
Creneral  Harrison  contemplated  an  expedition  against 
that  post,  he  found  the  season  too  far  advanced  to  un- 
dertake the  enterprise  with  any  prospect  of  success. 
For  this  reason,  and  from  a  belief,  that  the  garrison 
of  that  post,  cut  off  from  all  resources  must  necessarily 
fall  of  itself,  he  abandoned  the  project,  not  aware  that 
it  might,  though  with  some  pains  be  copiously  supplied 
by  way  of  York  or  the  Ottawa  River.  His  dispose- 
able  forces  were  therefore  conveyed  from  the  head  of 
Lake  Erie  to  Buffaloe,  from  whence  they  were  for- 
warded to  Niagara  and  Fort  George  to  supply  the 
detachments  which  had  moved  from  thence  to  Sacket's 
Harbour. 

The  Commander  of  the  Forces,  whose  Head  Quar- 
ters  were  at  Kingston,  having  cause  to  suspect  an  at- 
tack at  that  point,  by  the  armament  preparing  at 
Sacket's  Harbour,  re-^called  Major  General  De  Rotteif- 
burgh  with  a  part  of  his  force  from  the  Niagara  fron- 
tier, leaving  Major  General  Vincent  to  continue  the  in- 
vestment of  Fx)rt  George.  No  sooner  had  these  or- 
ders been  carried  into  effect  for  the  security  of  Kings- 
ton, than  General  Vincent  ascertained  by  several  suc- 
sessive  expresses  from  General  Proctor,  his  retreat 
from  Amherstburgh,  and  his  total  discomfiture  at  the 
Moravian  Village.  So  circumstanced,  he  judged  it 
expedient  for  the  succour  of  the  broken  remains  of  the 
right  division  retreating  towards  the  head  of  the  On- 
tario, as  well  as  for  the  safety  of  his  army,  to  raise  the 
investment  of  Fort  George  and  to  fall  back  and  con- 
centrate his  forces  at  Burlington  Heights,  iest  General 


Harris 
descen 
cupy  1 
enemy 
armies 

To] 

the  en< 
advant 
strolie, 
tier,  wj 
sccurit 

• 

The 
from  tl 
cross  n 
ed  by 
four  th( 
of  effec 
superio 
ing  the 
ffioveni( 
tober,  t 
leiice  ai 
ed  at  th 
engage- 

British  1 
tlieinvestn 
ofF.  Geoi-j 

mand  of 
lected  fc 
of  the  8 
iached  t 


[1813     I     1813] 


SIR  GEORGE  PREVOST. 


139 


ured  our 
,  and  tho' 
n  against 
ed  to  un- 
'  success, 
garrison 
•cessarily 
vare  that 
f  supplied 
;  dispose- 
e  head  of 
were  for- 
upply  the 
►  Sacket's 


ad  Quar- 
ct  an  at- 
5aring  at 
e  Rotteif- 
jara  fron- 
lue  the  in- 

these  or- 
of  Kiugs- 
veral  suc- 
is  retreat 
lire  at  the 
judged  it 
tins  of  the 
>f  the  On- 
3  raise  the 

and  con- 
it  General 


Harrison,  by  a  bold  and  rapid  march,  or  by  a  sudden 
descent  in  the  fleet  from  Amherstburgh,  should  pre-oc 
cupy  that  important  position,  which  if  eflected  by  the 
enemy,  would  plaCe  him  between  th^'  two  hostile 
armies* 

•  « 

To  retire  with  order  and  safety,  at  a  moment  when 
the  enemy  emboldened  by  recent  triumphs,  and  the 
advantage  of  superior  numbers,  might  by  a  decisive 
strolie,  have  dispersed  our  forces  on  the  Niagara  fron- 
.  tier,  was  a  movement  of  the  utmost  consequence  to  the 
security  of  Upper-Canada. 

The  British  line,  extending  in  front  of  Fort  George 
from  the  Four-Mile  Creek  on  Lake  Ontario,  to  the 
cross  roads  and  St.  Davids,  was  so  extremely  weaken- 
ed  by  sickness  as  to  be  scarcely  able  from  three  or 
four  thousand  men  to  exhibit  one  third  of  that  number 
of  effective  firelocks  in  case  of  emergency :  but  the 
superior  advantages  of  decision  and  method  in  effect- 
ing the  retreat,  amply  provided  for  the  safety  of  the 
movement.     Early  in  the  morning  of  the  9th  of  Oc- 
tober,  the  main  body  with  the  baggage  fell  back  in  si- 
lence and  with  good  order,  while  the  picquets  remain- 
ed at  their  Posts  in  front  of  Fort  George,  in  order  to 
engage  the  attention  of  the  enemy,  who  were  not  aware 
BriiJsli  raise  ^^  the  retreat  until  the  evening,  when  the 
of  F^Geol^r'  P^"^"^^^  ^^"  b^^^k  upon  seven  companies 
of  the    100th  Regiment  under  the  com- 
mand of  Lieutenant  Colonel  Taylor,  which  were  se- 
lected for  the  occasion,  and  with   the  light  company 
ot  the  8th  Regiment  and  a  ie\v  Indians,  the  whole  at. 
tacfaed  to  the  command  of  Colo^el  Murray,  constitute 


■* 


140 


ADMINISTRATION  OF 


[1813 


ed  the  rear  guard,  and  covered  the  retreat  of  the  main 
body.  This  small  but  effective  force,  and  which  dur- 
ing the  investment  had  participated  in  all  the  fatigues 
and  privations  incident  to  that  service,  proceeded 
in  the  rear  of  the  army  by  slow  and  deliberate 
marches,  and  though  closely  pressed  for  several  days 
by  a  Brigade  of  1500  men  under  Brigadiers  General 
M*Clure  and  Porter,  from  Fort  George,  so  effectually 
checked  their  pursuit  as  to  afford  time  to  Gen.  Vincent 
to  collect  the  remains  of  the  right  division  under  Gene- 
ral Proctor,  and  to  prepare  himself  against  an  attach 
at  Burlington  Heights. 

Aflter  a  few  days  march  and  constant  manoeuvring 
with  M'Clure's  division,  the  rear  guard  finally  assum- 
ed a  position  at  the  already  celebrated  Stony  Creek, 
from  which  the  enemy  did  not  think  it  prudent  to  at- 
tempt to  dislodge  them. 


The  Commander  of  the  Forces  having  left  Major 
General  De  Rottenburgh  in  charge  of  the  civil  and 
military  commands  in  Upper-Canada,returned  to  Mon- 
treal towards  the  end  of  September,  to  meet  the  inva- 
sion with  which  the  enemy  threatened  the  Lower  Pro- 
vince. Gen.  Hampton,  after  having  transported  his 
force  across  Lake  Champlain,  lay  encamped  for  some 
days  at  Cumberland  Head,  near  Plattsburgh.  On  the 
20th  of  September,  he  entered  Lower-Canada,  (his  ad- 
vanced guard  having  surprised  a  small  picquet  early 
in  the  morning)  at  Odletown,  at  the  lower  extremity  of 
Lake  Champlain,  with  upwards  of  five  thousand  men. 
The  road  leading  from  thence  to  I'Acadie,  and  the  open 
country  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Montreal,  lies  thro' 


1813] 


SIR    GEORGE    PREVOST. 


141 


a  swampy  wood  of  upwards  of  five  leagues  wMch  had 
been  cut  up  and  rendered  impracticable  by  abbatis 
since  the  preceding  campaign,  by  the  Voltigeurs  under 
Lieut.  Col.  De  Salaberry,  and  was  now  guarded  by  a 
few  of  the  Frontier  Light  Infantry,  and  some  Indians 
under  the  direction  of  capt.  Mailloux.    These  were 
immediately  reinforced  by  the  flank  companies  of  the 
4th  battalion  of  the  embodied  militia  under  Major  Per- 
rault,  and  the  Canadian  Voltigeurs  under  Lieut.  Col. 
De  Salaberry  who  commanded  the  advance.    Had 
Hampton  immediately  sent  forward  a  body  of  riflemen 
through  the  woods,  he  might,  without  much  diflSculty, 
have  obtained  a  footing  in  the  open  country  near  St. 
John's ;  which,  if  he  could  have  succeeded  in  occupy- 
ing,must  have  led  to  the  sun-ender  of  the  Isle-aux-Noix. 
He  however  seems  not  to  havebeenaware  of  our  weak- 
ness, or  to  have  placed  little  relianoe  in  the  discipline 
a«d  perseverance  of  his  troops.  On  the  22d  September, 
he  evacuated  Odletown,  and  moved  with  his  whole  force 
westward,  toward  the  head  of  Chateauguay  River,  un- 
der pretext  of  the  impracticability  of  advancing  thro' 
the  Odletown  road  for  want  of  water  for  his  cavalry 
and  cattle,  owing  to  the  extraordinary  drought  of  the 
season.. 

At  thfs  momentous  crisis,  the  Commander  of  the 
Forces  issued  an  animating  Proclamation,  calling  for 
the  exertions  of  the  people  in  repelling  the  thfeatenw 
invasion;  and  the  militia  in  the  district  of  Montreal, 
turned  out  with  the  same  ardour  and  alacrity  as  in  the 
preceding  campaign. 


x.u 


142 


ADMINISTRATION   OF 


[1813 


Lifiut.  Col.      Lieut.  Col.  De  Salaberry,  with  the  Ca- 
De  Salaberry  nadiai)  Voltigeurs,on  ascertaining  the  route 

attackstheen-    ..  ,      ,  j  j  •    im 

cmy's  camp  at  ^"e  enemy  had  pursued,  moved  in  nke  man- 
Four  Comers.  Qer  to  Chateauguay,  where  he  was  ordered 
by  the  Commander  of  the  Forces,  to  proceed  to  the 
enemy's  camp  at  Four  Corners^  at  the  h^ad  of  the 
Chateauguay,  in  order  to  create  an  alarm,  and  if  pos- 
sible dislodge  him  by  a  surprise.  To  effect  this  ser- 
vice  (the  accomplishment  of  which  appeared  quite  im- 
practicable to  Lieut.  Colonel  De  Salaberry,  with  the 
very  limited  force  under  his  command)  he  proceeded 
through  the  woods  along  the  Chateauguay,  with  one 
hundred  and  fifty  of  his  Voltigeurs,  the  Light  Company 
of  Canadian  Fencibles,  and  about  one  hundred  Indians 
under  the  direction  of  capt.  Gaucher ;  and  on  the  after- 
noon of  the  first  of  October,  arrived,  unobserved,  at 
the  vicinity  of  the.et)emy's  camp.  By  the  indiscretion 
of  one  of  his  Indians,  who  had  discharged  his  piece,  an 
alarm  was  created,  when  Lieut.  Colonel  De  Salaberry 
finding  himself  discovered,  immediately  collected  fifty 
of  his  Voltigeurs,  with  which,  and  his  Indians,  he  push- 
ed into  the  enemy's  advanced  camp,  consisting  of  two 
light  Battalions  of  about  400  men  each,  and  drove 
them  for  a  considerable  distance,  until  perceiving  the 
main  body  of  the  enemy  making  movements  to  circum- 
vent him,  he  fell  back,  and  took  up  his  former  position 
at  the  skirt  of  the  woods.  From  this  point  Lieut.  CoL 
De  Salaberry  again  made  another  charge,  but  the 
alarm  being  now  universal  in  the  camp,  and  the  In- 
dians having  ^fallen  to  the  rear,  his  men  were  obliged 
to  retire,  leaving  him  and  Captains  Chevalier  Duches- 
ney  and  Gaucher,  with  a  few  trusty  Voltigeurs,  who 
skirmished  with  the  enemy  until  after  dark.     Of  the 


1813] 

Amerii 

only  CI 

more  p 

killed 

momen 

sion  tc 

Voltigc 

gave  hi 

men,  w 

plified 

After  tl 

ing  the 

and  ac€ 

Hampt< 

vince,  a 

wood,  < 

the  distj 

ence  of 

threw  u] 

front  an> 

was  seci 

Here 

his  grou 
whole  st; 
was  a  sn 
he  cover 
keeping  i 
harnois  : 
river,  les 
forest,  mi 
ground. 

iustlv  rnn 


SIR  GEORGG  PREVOST. 


143 


the  Ca- 
he  route 
ike  man- 
ordered 
d  to  the 
i  of  the 
i  if  pos- 
this  ser- 
(uite  im- 
tvith  the 
oceeded 
vith  one 
ompany 
[  Indians 
le  after- 
ved,  at 
scretion 
iece,  an 
daberry 
ted  fifty 
be  push- 
5  of  two 
d  drove 
ving  the 
circum- 
position 
ut.  CoL 
but  the 
[  the  In- 
obliged 
Duches- 
rs,  who 
Of  the 


1813] 

Americans,  one  officer  and  one  man  were  killed,  and 
only  one  wounded,  by  their  own  statement ;  tho'  other 
more  probable  accounts,  state  their  loss  at  twenty-five 
killed  and  wounded.     This  affair,  though  of  inferior 
moment,  deserves  our  attention,  as  it  afibrded  an  occa- 
sion to  Lieut.  Colonel  De  Salabcrry,  of  leading  his 
Voltigeursforthe  first  time  into  action,  and  probably 
gave  him  a  just  confidence  in  the  valor  of  his  country- 
men, which  a  few  days  afterwards  they  so  nobly  exem- 
plified  under  their  gallant  leader   at  Chateauguay. 
After  this  rencounter  he  retui-ned  to  Chateauguay,  tak- 
ing the  precaution  of  breaking  up  the  road  in  his'rear, 
and  acquainting  himself  with  the  ground  over  which, 
Hampton  was  expected  to  make  his  way  into  the  pro- 
vince, and  finally  assumed  a  judicious  position  in  a  thick 
wood,  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Chateauguay  river,  at 
the  distance  of  two  leagues  above  the  Fork  or  conflu- 
ence  of  the  English  and  Chateaguay  rivers,  where  he-  " 
threw  up  temporary  breast  works  of  logs,  covering  his 
front  and  right  ftank  by  extended  abbatis,  while  his  left 
was  secured  by  the  river. 

Here  he  resolved  to  await  the  enemy  and  maintain^ 
his  ground  with  a  handful  of  Canadians,  against  the 
whole  strength  of  the  invading  army.  In  his  rear  there 
was  a  small  rapid  where  the  river  was  fordable :  thia 
he  covered  with  a  strong  breast  work  and  a  guard  • 
keeping  at  the  same  time  a  strong  picquet  of  the  Beau- 
harnois  militia  'm  advance  on  the  right  bank  of  the 
river,  lest  the  enemy  approaching  under  cover  of  the 
forest,  might  cross  the  Ford,  and  dislodge  him  from  his 
ground.    The  occupancy  of  this  position,  Hampton 
^      ^ -^^. vwi  v£  iMv  uisi  iusj^ibiuice  lotae  ulterioir 


^ 


f^ 


ADMINISTRATION   OF 


[1813 


object  of  the  campaign,  as  the  country  from  thence  to 
the  mouth  of  the  Chateauguay,  being  principally  open 
and  cultivated,  afforded  no  strong  points  to  check  his 
progress  to  the  St.  Lawrence,  and  prevent  his  junction 
with  Gen.  Wilkinson's  Division,  which  iu  fact  was  not 
yet  in  readiness  to  move. 

General  Hampton  in  the  mean  time,  to  distract  and 
divide  the  attention  of  the  British,  directed  Col.  Clark 
to  carry  on  a  petty  warfare  on  the  Eastern  side  of 
Lake  Champlain,  and  that  ruthless  Depredator  accord- 
ingly infested  the  settlements  in  Missiskoui  Bay,  where 
he  plundered  the  inhabitants  in  the  most  wanton  man- 
ner, i 

On  the  21st  of  October,  Gen.  Hampton  again  en- 
tered Lower-Canada,  having  early  in  the  morning  of 
that  day  dispatched  his  light  troops  and  a  regiment  of 
the  line,  under  Brigadier  General  Izard,  to  dislodge  a 
small  picquet  of  sedentary  militia,  and  a  few  Indian 
warriors,  at  the  junction  of  the  Outarde  and  Chateau- 
guay  rivers,  where  the  main  body  arrived  on  the  22di 
On  the  24th,  having  opened  and  completed  a  large  and 
practicable  road  from  his  position  at  Four  Corners, 
(a  distance  of  24  miles)  through  wood's  and  morasses, 
which  Lieut.  Col.  De  Salaberry  on  returning  from 
Four  Corners,  had  broken  up  and  embarrassed  with 
abbatis,  the  whole  of  his  artillery  (10  field  pieces)  and 
Stores  were  brought  forward' to  His  new  position,  about 
seven  miles  from  Lieut.  Col.  De  Balaberry's  post. 

Battle  of  ^Jfom  this  point  he  despatched  Colonel 
Chateauguay.  Pur^v  with  a  light  Brigade,  and  a  strong 

KftA\T  rtf  T*iA»n*fv  wif  tViA  linii     ai  an  parlv  hour  in  ihft 


hie    f\ir\w^t 


[181 


1813] 


SIB  GEORGE   PREV03T. 


UB 


thence  to 
ally  open 
check  his 
i  junction 
t  was  not 


tract  and 
!ol.  Clark 
rn  side  of 
»r  accord- 
ay,  where 
itou  mau- 


again  en- 
orning  of 
giment  of 
iislodge  a 
!w  Indian 
Chateau- 
1  the  22d; 
large  and 
Corners, 
morasses, 
ling  from 
ssed  with 
eces)  and 
on,  about 
post. 

1  Colonel 
1  a  strong 

iir  in  thft 


night  of  the  25th,  with  orders  to  gain  the  Ford,  and 
fall  on  the  rear  of  Lieut.  Colonel  De  Salaberry*s  po- 
sition ;  while  the  main  body  were  to  commen':e  the  at- 
tack in  front.    Purdy's  brigade  proceeded,  but  were 
misled  and  bewildered  in  the  woods,  either  through  the 
ignorance  or  treachery  of  the  guides,  and  did  not  gain 
the  point  of  attack  as  directed  by  the  commanding  offi- 
cer.    General  Hampton  however  advanced  next  morn- 
ing (26th  Oct.)   under  the  expectation  of  hearing  the 
intended  attack  at  the  Ford,  and  at  ten  o'clock  made 
his  appearance  with  about  three  thousand  five  hundred 
men,  under  General  hard  on  the  high  road,  leading 
to  the  abbatis,  and  drove  in  a  small  picquet  of  twenty- 
five  men,  who  falling  back  upon  a  second  picqutt  made 
resolute  stand,  and  maintained  a  smart  fire  upon  the 
enemy.    Lieut.  Col.  Dt    'alaberry,  upon  hearing  the 
niusketry,  promptly  adva»   ed  with  the  light  company 
of  the  Canadian  Fencibles,  commanded  by  captain 
Ferguson,  and  two  companies  of  his  Voltigeurs  com- 
manded by  captains  Chevalier  and  L.  Juchereau  Duch- 
esnay.    The  first  of  these  companies  he  posted  on  the 
right,  in  front  of  the  abbatis,    in  extended  order,  its 
right  skirting  on  the  adjoinhig   woods  and  abbatis, 
among  which  were  distributed  a  (ew  Abenaqui  Indians. 
Capt.  Chevalier  Duchesnay's  company  of  Voltigeurs 
in  extended  order,  occupied  the  ground  from  the  left 
of  this  company  to  the  river  Cheteauguay,  and  the 
third  company  under  captain  L.  Juchereau  Duches- 
nay,  with  about  thirty-five   sedentary  militia,  under 
capt.  Longtain,  were  thrown  back  en  Potence  along 
the  margin  of  the  river,  for  the  purpose  of  flanking,  or 
preventing  a  flank  fire  from  the  enemy  in  the  event  of 


146 


ADMINISTRATION  OF 


[1813 


1813] 


enemy  in  the  mean  time  advanced  with  steadiness  in 
open  column  of  sections  to  within  musliet  shot,  m  hen 
Lieut.  Colonel  De  Salaberry  discharged  his  rifle  as  a 
signal  to  commence  firing,  at  which  a  mounted  officer 
was  seen  to  ialL  The  Bugles  sounded  and  a  quick  fire 
was  iipmediately  opened  upon  the  enemy  whq^  wheeled 
up  into'  line,  and  commenced  a  fire  in  Battalion  vol- 
lies,  which  from  the  position  of  their  line,  was  almost 
totally  thrown  to  the  right  of  the  Canadians,  and  of 
no  effect  whatever.  They  however  soon  changed  their 
front  parallel  to  their  adversaries,  by  facing  to  the  right, 
and  fileing  up  with  speed,  when  the  engagement  became 
general.  The  retreat  of  a  few  skirmishers,  rather  ad- 
vanced in  the  centre  of  the  line,  being  mistaken  by  tht 
enemy  for  a  flight,  an  universal  shout  ensued,  whici 
was  re-echoed  by  the  Canadians,  and  the  reinforce 
ments  in  reserve  under  Lieutenant  Colonel  M'Don 
nell,  while  Lieut.  Colonel  De  Salaberry  as  a  ruse  at 
Guerre  ordered  the  bugles  placed  at  intervals,  in  the 
abhatis,  to  soH«d  an  advance  :  this  had  tht  desired  ef- 
fect and  checked  the  ardour  of  the  enemy,  who  suS' 
pected  that  the  Canadians  were  advancing  in  great 
numbers  to  circumvent  them.  The  noise  of  the  en- 
gagement brought  on  Colonel  Purdy's  division  on  the 
opposite  side  of  the  river,  which  having  driven  in  the 
picquet  of  the  sedentary  militia  under  Captain  Bru- 
guier,  were  pressing  on  for  the  Ford,  at  which  Lieut. 
Colonel  De  Salabersy  ordered  the  light  company  of 
the  3d  Battalion  Embodied  Militia,  under  Captain 
Daly,  to  cross  and  take  up  the  ground  abandoned  by 
the  Picquet.  Captain  Daly  with  his  company  crossed 
at  the  Ford,  and  having  advanced  fell  in  with,  and 
drove  back  the  advanced  guard  of  the  Ameri<;ans  up- 


on the 
compel] 
ed  Cap 
overwh< 
on  the  I 
Juchere 
conceal 
Lieut.  ( 
effectual 
the  utm( 
precipiti 

Genei 
certed  b 
bank,  w 
two  in  t 
effort  to 
point  of  1 
with  scai 
field  of  a 
Sir  Geor 
arrived  < 
dicious  a 
Colonel 
countryn 
the  wan 
Forces,  a 
and  imp; 

Capt.  ] 
severe  w 
I  werd  foui 


[1813 

idiness  in 
ot,  M'hen 
rifle  as  a 
ed  officer 
quick  fire 
t  wheeled 
ilion  vol- 
as  almost 
s,  and  of 
ged  their 
the  right, 
it  became 
ather  ad- 
en  by  tht 
id,  whicl 
einforce 
I  M'Don 
a  ruse  at 
lis,  in  th£ 
esired  ef- 
who  suS' 

in  great 
f  the  en- 
>n  on  the 
en  in  the 
ain  Bru- 
:h  Lieut, 
npany  of 

Captain 
ioned  by 
y  crossed 
vith,  and 
i<;ans  up- 


1813] 


SIR    GEORGE   PREVOST. 


147 


on  the  main  body,  which  still  pressed  forward  and 
compelled  him  in  his  turn  *o  fall  back.  Having  repuls- 
ed Captain  Daly's  Company,  they  were  moving  on  in 
overwhelming  numbers  with  eagerness  and  speed  close 
on  the  bank  of  the  river,  until  opposite  to  Captain  L. 
Juchereau  Duchesnay's  Company,  which  hitherto  lay 
concealed,  and  now  at  the  word  of  command  from 
Lieut.  Col.  De  Salaberry  opened  so  unexpected  and 
effectual  a  fire  upon  the  enemy,  as  to  throw  him  into 
the  utmost  disorder,  and  to  occasion  a  tumultuous  and 
precipitate  retreat. 

General  Hampton  finding  his  arrangements  discon- 
certed by  the  total  route  of  the  division  on  the  right 
bank,  withdrew  his  forces  in  good  order  at  half  past 
two  in  the  afternoon,  without  having  made  a  single 
effort  to  carry  the  abbatis  and  entrenchments  at  the 
point  of  the  bayonet,  leaving  Lieut.  Col.  De  Salaberry 
wHh  scarely  three  hundred  Canadians,  masters  of  the 
field  of  action.  Towards  the  <rlose  of  the  engagement, 
Sir  George  Prevost,  with  Major  General  De  WattcviUe,* 
arrived  on  the  ground,  and  witnessed  in  person,  the  ju- 
dicious arrangemep.ts  and  stjccessf^l  exertions  of  Lieut. 
Colonel  De  Salaberry  and  his  galJant  comrades  and 
countrymen,  whose  prowess  on  the  occasion  called  forth 
the  warmest  encomiums  of  the  Commander  of  the 
Forces,  and  gave  them  a  just  claim  to  the  disinterested 
and  impartiaJ  applause  of  history. 

Capt.  D%,  wlfile  leading  on  his  men,  received  tw» 
severe  wounds.  Upwards  of  forty  of  the  Americans 
werd  found  dead  on  thp  d^A      Tl 


143 


ADMINISTRATION  OF 


[1813     I     I81S] 


dtans  amounted  to  five  killed  and  twenty  in  wounded 
and  missing.^ 

General  Hampton  having  r^-occupied  his  late  posi- 
tion, called  a  council  of  war,  where  it  was  determined 
to  fall  back  and  occupy  the  former  position  at  Four- 
Corners^  to  secure  their  communication  with  the  United 
States  ;  from  thence  either  to  retire  into  winter  quar- 
ters or  to  be  ready  to  re-enter  Lower-Canada.  Pur- 
suant to  this  determination  the  army  retired  to  Four- 
Corners,  while  the  Canadians  hung  upon  their  rear  and 
harassed  their  retreat. 

From  the  fatigues  and  privations  experienced  by  this 
division,  exposed  for  several  weeks  to  the  inclemency  of 
the  season,  the  enemy's  troops  soon  assumed  the  na- 
tive rawness  of  recruits,  and  tliey  were  no  more  capa- 
ble of  co-operating  with  Wilkinson's  division  in  the 
combinedjpaovement  again^  Montreal.  They  shortly 
after  fell  biick  upon  Pittsburgh  and  retired  to  winter 
Quarters. 

The  plan  of  the  campaign  adopted  by  the  American 
Government,  as  subsequently  developed  by  the  pub- 
lication of  "  Sundry  Documents  submitted  to  Con- 
**  gress  in  obedience  to  a  resolution  of  that  Body  of 

♦  The  Commsnder  of  the  Forces  was  pleased  to  acknowledge  the 
^aistinguished  si'jport  which  Lieut  Colonel  jJe  Salabeny  experienced 
from  the  Zealand  exertions  of  Captain  Ferguson  of  the  Canadian  Fen- 
cibles,  and  from  Captains  Chevalier  and  L.  Juchereau  Duchesnay, 
from  Adjutants  O'SulUvan  and  Hebden,  and  Captain  Lamotteofthe 
Indian  warriors.  Sir  George  Prevost,  in  his  official  despatch  on  thi« 
occasion,  solicited  from  the  Prince  Regent,  as  a  mark  of  his  gracious 


e  ji-  -   -r^. 


pair  of  Colours,  for  the  1st,  2d,  3d,  4th,  and  5th  Battalions. 


"  the  ; 

"  cans 

"  Norl 

their  H 

to  mail 

British 

tier;  w 

ment  o 

attacki 

to  atta< 

these  pi 

gering 

aflbrde< 

and  aft 

and  the 

stance  < 

proceed 

Americj 

ly  rend< 

dier  Islj 

General 

tack,  wa 

ter  exp€ 

raenced 

fleet,  am 

rence  wi 

of  varioi 

He  proc( 

ed  his  tr 

downwai 

that  post 

the  flotil] 

out  susta 

the  cann< 


[1813 
wounded 


late  posi- 
termined 
at  Four- 
le  United 
ter  quar> 
ia.  Pur- 
to  Four- 
rear  and 


;d  by  this 
imency  of 
d  the  na- 
>re  capa- 
m  in  the 
J  shortly 
to  winter 


A.merican 
the  pub- 
to  Con- 
Body  of 

swledge  the 
experienced 
ladian  Fen- 
Duchesnay, 
motte  of  the 
>atch  on  this 
his  gracious 

MAM!*!.     £... 


1813] 


SIR   eeORGE   PREVOST. 


149 


the  3l8t  December,  i813,  tending  to  explain  the 
causes  of  the  failure  of  the  American  arms  on  the 
'Northern  Frontier,"  was,  by  hpstily  withdrawing 
their  forces  from  Fort  Geoige  to  Sacket's  Harbour, 
to  make  a  sudden  descent  upon  Kingston,  before  the 
British  forces  could  be  called  in  from  the  Niagara  fron- 
tier;  while  Hampton  was  to  make  a  simultaneous  move- 
ment  on  Lake  Champlain,  indicating  an  intention  of 
attacking  Montreal  and  its  dependencies,  and  really 
to  attack  them  if  to  reinforce  the  Upper  Provmce, 
these  posts  should  be  materially  weakened.     The  lin- 
gering progress  of  the  armament  at  Sacket's  Harbour 
afforded  time  to  call  in  reinforcements  to  Kingston, 
and  after  some  discussion  between  General  Wilkinson 
and  the  Secretary  of  War,  it  was  determined,  at  the  in- 
stance  of  the  latter,  to  leave  that  post  in  the  rear  and 
proceed  down  the  St.  Lawrence  for  Montreal.     The 
American  forces  to  about  ten  thousand  men  according- 
ly rendezvoused  towards  the  end  of  October  on  Grena- 
dier Island,  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Kingston,  where 
General  De  Rottenburgh  confidently  expecting  an  at- 
tack, was  prepared  for  the  event.     From  thisjpoint,  af- 
ter experiencing  much  foul  weather,  Wilkinson  com- 
menced  his  movement  under  cover  of  the  American 
fleet,  and  on  the  3d  November  slipt  into  the  St.  Law, 
rence  with  a  flotilla  of  upwards  of  three  hundred  boats 
of  various  sizes,  escorted  by  a  division  of  gun-boats. 
He  proceeded  to  within  three  mUes  of  Prescot  and  land- 
ed his  troops  on  the  American  shore,  who  proceeded 
downwards  by  land  to  a  Bay  or  Cove,  two  miles  below* 
that  post,  in  order  to  avoid  the  British  batteries,  while 
the  flotilla  passed  them  in  the  night  of  the  sixth,  with- 
out  sustaining  any  material  injuiy  in  their  passage  by 
the  cannonade.  13 


i 


ido 


ADMINISTRATION   Of 


11813 


The  movement  of  the  flotilla  down  the  St.  Lawrence 
being  ascertained  at  Kingston,  General  De  Rotten- 
burgh  detached  a  small  force  fix>,m  that  post,  consist- 
ing of  the  49th  Regiment,  commanded  by  Lieut.  Col. 
Plenderleath,  the  89th  Regiment  and  some  Voltigeurs, 
which  when  reinforced  by  Lieut.  Colonel  Pearson  with 
a  party  of  the  Canadiaa  Fencibles    from    Prescot, 
amounted  to  about  800  rank  and  file,  the  whole  coin- 
ihanded  by  Lieut.  Colonel  Morrison  of  the  89th  Regi- 
ment, and  accompanied  by  the  Deputy  Adjutant-Gene- 
raL    This  corps  of  observation  proceeded  under  the 
escort  of  a  small  division  of  gun-boats,  commanded  by 
Captaiu  Mulcaster,  R.  N.  in  pursuit  of  the  enemy,  and 
on  the  8th  came  up  with  them  at  Point  Iroquois.  Ge- 
neral Wilkinson  had  on  the  preceding  day  directed 
Colonel  Macomb  to  land  on  the  British  shore  with  1200 
IBCB,  in  order  to  clear  the  coast  down  to  the  head  of  the 
Long  Sault,  of  the  militia  collecting  along  the  shore 
from  various  parts  of  the  Country  .     On  the  18th  this 
^livision  was  reinforced  by  Brigadier  General  Brown's 
Brigade,  with  a  body  of  Dragoons  from  the  American 
shore.    On  arriving  at  the  head  of  the  Long  Sault,  the 
whole  of  the  effective  men,  except  such  a«  were  required 
for  navigating  the  boats  down  the  rapid,  were  landed 
under  the  orders  of  Brigadier  General  Boyd,  who  was 
to  proceed  down  by  land  in  the  rear  of  General 
Brown^s  division  to  the  foot  of  the  Long  Sauk.  On  the 
tenth,  Lieut.  Col.  Moi^rison  with  the  gun-boats  visit- 
ed the  American  post  at  Hamilton,  where  he,  landed 
and  took  possessioji  of  a  considerable  quantity  of  pro- 
visions and  stores,  belonging  to  the  American  army 
with  two  Dieces  of  ordnance.     Lieut.  Col.  Harvey  in 
the  mean  time  followed  up  the  enemy,  who  in  the 


11813 

awrence 
Rotten- 
consist- 
!ut.  Col. 
Itigeurs, 
son  with 
Prescot, 
)le  com- 
th  Regi- 
it-Gene- 
nder  the 
inded  by 
imy,  and 
lois.  Ge- 
directed 
i^ith  1200 
ad  of  the 
he  shore 
18th  this 
Brown's 
Lmerican 
)ault,  the 
required 
e  landed 
who  was 
General 
t.  On  the 
>ats  visit- 
le,  landed 
y  of  pro- 
an  army 
[arvey  in 
10  in  the 


1813]; 


SIR  GS0R6E  PREVOST, 


151 


evening  were  observed  advancing  from  the  woods  in 
considerable  numbers  with  a  body  of  cavalry,  but,  up- 
on receiving  a  few  rounds  from  three  field  pieces,  and 
probably  finding  their  pursuers  better  prepared  than 
they  expected,  fell  back  for  the  night  *    On  the  ensu- 
Battle   of    J"g  <^ayj  Lieut.  Colonel  Morrison  pressed 
Chrystier'8      go  closely  upon  the  rear  of  General  Boyd's 
division,  as  to  compel  him  to  concentrate 
his  forces  and  give  battle,  a  description  of  which  can- 
not  be  more  accurately  conveyed  than  by  quoting  Lc. 
Colonel  Morrison's  official  despatch  on  the  occasion. 
*  The  enemy's  force,  consisting  of  two  brigades  of  In- 
fantry, and  a  Regiment  of  cavalry,  amounting  to  be- 
tween  three  and  four  thousand  men,  moved  forward 
about  two  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  from  CjirystlerV 
Point,  and  a  tacked  our  advance,  which  gradually  fell 
back  to  the  position  selected  for  the  detachment  to  oc- 
cupy, the  right  resting  on  the  river,  and  the  left  on  a 
pine-wood,  exhibiting  about  seven  hundred  yards.  The 
ground  being  open,  the  troops  were  thus  disposed^ 

The  Flank  Companies  of  the  49th  Regiment,  the  de- 
tachment of  the  Canadian  Regiment,  with  one  field 
piece,  under  Lieut.  Colonel  Pearson,  on  the  right ;  a 
little  advanced  on  the  road—Three  companies  of  the 
89t!i  Regiment,  under  Captain  Barnes,  with  a  gun 
formed  in  echellon  with  the  advance  on  its  left  sup- 
porting it.  The  49th  and  the  89th  thrown  more  to 
t'le  rear,  with  a  gun,  formed  the  main  body  and  re- 
serve, extending  to  the  woock  on  the  left ;  which 
were  occupied  by  the  Voltigeurs,  under  Major  Her- 

J  Some  smarf  cannonading  iu  the  mean  time  took  place  between 
the  gun-lioats. 


152 


ADMINISTRATION   OrF 


[181 


riot,  and  the  Indians  under  Lieutenant  Anderson — 
At  about  half  past  two  the  action  became  general,  when 
the  enemy  endeavored  by  moving  forward  a  Brigade 
from  his  right,  to  turn  our  left,  but  was  repulsed  by 
the  89th  Regiment  forming  en  potence  with  the  49th 
Regiment,  and  by  moving  forward,  occasionally  firing 
iby  platoons  ;  his  efforts  were  next  directed  against 
our  right,  and  to  repulse  this  movement,  the  49th 
•Regiment  took  ground  in  that  direction,  in  Echellon, 
followed  by  the  89th.  When  within  half  musket  shot, 
the  line  was  formed  under  a  heavy  but  irregular  fire 
from  the  enemy — The  49th  was  directed  to  cliarge 
their  guns  pobted  opposite  to  ours,  but  it  became  ne- 
cessary when  within  a  short  distance  of  them,  to  check 
this  forward  movement,  in  consequence  of  a  charge 
from  their  cavalry  on  the  right,  lest  they  should  wheel 
about,  and  fall  upon  the  rear,  but  they  were  received 
in  so  gallant  a  manner  by  the  companies  of  the  89th 
under  Captain  Barnes,  and  the  well  directed  fire  of  the 
Artillery,  that  they  quickly  retreated,  and  by  a  charge 
from  those  companies,  one  gun  was  gained. — The 
enemy  immediately  concentrated  their  force  to  check 
our  advance,  but  such  was  the  steady  countenance  and 
well  directed  fire  of  the  troops  and  artillery,  that 
about  half  past  four,  they  gave  way  at  all  points  from 
an  exceeding  strong  position,  endeavouring  by  their 
light  infantry  to  cover  their  retreat,  who  were  soon 
driven  away  by  a  Judicious  movement  made  by  Lieut, 
Colonel  Pearson.  The  detachment  for  the  night  oc- 
cupied the  ground  fwoni  which  the  enemy  had  been 
driven." 


ThiSj  (called  the  battle  of  Chrystler's   Farm  fvoip. 


[181 


lerson — 
al,  when 
Brigade 
ulsed  by 
he  49th 
ly  firing 

against 
he  49th 
Ichellon, 
let  shot, 
ular  fire 

cliarge 
aroe  ne- 
[o  check 
I  charge 
Id  wheel 
received 
he  89th 
re  of  the 
I  charge 
d.—The 
o  check 
ince  and 
ry,  that 
ats  from 
by  their 
re  soon 
y  Lieut, 
[Ight  oc- 
ad  been 


m  fvom 


^°^^]  SIB    GEORGE    PREVOST.  '153 

the  ground  on  which  it  occurred,)  is  in  the  estimation 
of  military  men,  considered  the  handsomest  affair  dur- 
ing  the  late  war,  from  the  professional  science  display, 
ed  m  the  course  of  the  action,  by  the  adverse  com- 
manders; and  when  we  consider  the  pi^odlgious  pre- 
paratives of  the  American  government  for  that  expedi. 
tion,  with  the  failure  of  which  their  hopes  of  conquest 
vanished,  the  battle  of  Chrystler's  Farm  may  be  class- 
ed  as  an  event  of  the  first  importance  in  the  defence  of 
these  provinces  * 

The  American  division  after  leaving  the  field,  re- 
embarked  m  haste,  while  the  dragoons,  with  five  field 
pieces  of  light  artillery  proceeded  down  towards  Corn- 
wall,  m  the  rear  of  General  Brown's  division,  who 
unaware  of  the  battle,  had  continued  his  march  for  that 

*  Lieut.  Colonel  Morrison  concludes  his  despatch  by  the  following 
tesumony,  of  the  ^eal  and  bravery  manifested  by  the  officers  andmef 
under  bis  command. 

"  Jt  is  now  my  grateful  duty  to  point  out  to  your  Honor,  the  benefit 
rUon's  Wr'^/^T'^'!  ^-™^^-^'"ty,  ju^ent  and  LtLe  f 
ertions,  of  Lieut  Colonel  Karvey,  the  Deputy  Adjutant  General,  fo^ 
spanng  whom  to  accompany  the  detachment,  I  must  again  p^bnl 
express  my  acknowledgements.  To  the  cordial  co-oper!tion  and  ex^ 
p'i^Zt  kT  Colonel  Pearson,  commanding  the  detachment  fro^ 
^escot,  Lieut.  jEolonelPlenderleath,  49th  Regiment,  Major  Clifford 

-the  RorAH^r'  "'■'t''  V""'  ^«'«g«"".-d Captain  Jackson 
« the  Royal  Artillery,  combined  with  the  gallantry  of  the  troops,  ouJ 
great  success  may  be^attributed ;  eve^rman  did  hiTduty,  andTbd  e^ 
cannot  mom  strongly  speak  their  merit,  than  in  mentioning  that  o^ 
small  force  did  not  exceed  eight  hundred  rank  and  file 

Denl^nfenf  i"*^"''".  and  Skinner,  of  the  Quarter  Master  General's 
hlrir-   'A         u^"'  the  greatest  obKgatibns  for  the  assistance  I 

?„"!.^'r^*l"*"*«!™^'»  °^*h«  ^Wilitia,  and  Lieut.  Anderson  of  the 
-j;;-^^--^  nave  also  ibr  tfaeir  service,  deserved  my  jMibli* 

w 


154 


ADMINISTRATION   OF 


[1813 


place.  The  enemy  lost  an  able  officer  in  the  person 
ofBrigadier  General  Covington,  who,  while  animating 
his  men  to  the  charge,  received  a  mortal  wound,  which 
he  survived  only  two  days.  The  loss  of  the  enemy, 
by  their  own  official  statements,  amounted  to  three 
officers  and  ninety-nine  men  killed,  and  sixteen  offi- 
cers ^nd  one  hundred  and  twenty-one  men  wounded. 
The  loss  of  the  British  amounted  to  three  officers 
(Captain  Nairne  of  the  49th  Regiment  and  Lieuten- 
ants Lorimier  and  Armstrong,)  and  twenty-one  men 
killed,  and  eight  officers  and  one  hundred  and  thirty- 
seven  wouilded,  and  twelve  missing. 

General  Wilkinson,  who,  during  the  action,  lay 
confined  to  his  barge,  from  a  protracted  illness,  in  his 
official  despatch  to  his  government,  bears  faithful  tes- 
timony of  the  loyalty  of  the  inhabitants  on  the  Canada 
side  of  the  Saint  Lawrence,  and  of  the  bravery  and 
discipline  of  the  troops  he  had  to  contend  with  at 
Cbrystler's  Farm, 

The  day  after  the  -engagement,  the  American  flo- 
tilla proceeded  down  the  Long  Sault  and  joined  near 
CornwaH  the  division  which  had  moved  on  under  Gen. 
Brown,  towards  that  place,  where  General  Wilkinson 
confidently  expected  to  hear  of  the  arrival  of  General 
Hampton  on  the  opposite  shore,  to  whom  he  had  writ- 
ten on  the  6th,  to  that  effect,  not  being  then  acquaint- 
ed with  his  late  defeat.  Here>  to  his  unspeakable  mor- 
tification and  sur{Mjise,  he  received  a  letter  from  Gen. 
Hampton,  informing  him  that  the  division  under  his 
command  was  falling  back  upon  Lake  Champlain.— 
This  information,  with  the  countkss  difficulties  mo- 


1813] 

menth 

blastei 

stance 

a  cour 

ed  "  '1 

"  onec 

*'  Con 

"  ricai 

on  the 

by  thei 

boats  i 

racks  I 

dinary 

so  as  U 

Wilk 
Perrot, 
by  asm 
bridge 
the  Cit^ 

ft 

Ever 
Comma 
Militia, 
with  ac 
which  tl 
alty  anc 
encouuti 

Wkh 
1813,  ir 
awaited 
Canada. 


[1813 

;  person 
li  mating 
ij  which 

enemy, 
to  three 
een  offi- 
ounded. 

officers 
Lieuten- 
»ne  men 
d  thirty- 


ion,  lay 
s,  in  his 
[hful  tes- 
Canada 
^ery  and 
with  at 


ican  flo- 
led  near 
der  Gen. 
t/^ilkinson 
General 
had  writ- 
Lcquaint- 
ble  mpr- 
om  Ge». 
mder  his 
oplain. — 
ties  mg- 


1813] 


SIR  G£ORQ|^  JPHEVOST. 


US 


mently  crowding  upon  the  American  army,  effectually 
blasted  every  prospect  of  further  success.     So  circum- 
stanced the  American  Commander  immediately  held 
a  council  of  war,  in  which  it  was  unanimously  resolv- 
ed "  That  the  attack  upon  Montreal  should  be  aband- 
"  oned  for  the  present  season,  and  that  the  army  near 
I'  Cornwall  should  immediately  be  crossed  to  the  Amc- 
"  rican  shore,  for  taking  up  winter  quarters,"  whifch, 
on  the  ensuing  day,  was  accordingly  carried  into  effect, 
by  their  proceeding   for   Salmon  River,  where  their 
bo^ts  and  batteaux  were  scuttled,  and  extensive  bar- 
racks  for  the  whole  army  were  erected  with  extraor- 
dmary  celerity,  and  surrounded  on  all  sides  by  abbaiis, 
so  as  to  render  a  surprise  impracticable.  ■ 

Wilkinson's  intention  was  to  have  landed  on  the  Isle 
Perrot,  which  is  separated  from  the  Island  of  Montreal/ 
by  a  small  channel,  over  which  he  intended  to  throw  a 
bridge  of  boats,  and  from  thence  to  fight  his  wayfm^ 
the  City  of  Montreal.  ' 

Every  appearance  of  danger  having  subsided,  the 
Commander  of  the  Forces  dismissed  the  Sedentary 
Militia,  by  a  General  Order  of  the  17th  Novembeiv 
with  acknowledgments  of  the  cheerful  alacrity,  wHh 
which  they  had  repaired  to  their  Posts,  and  the  loyr 
alty  and  leal  they  had  manifested  at  the  prospect  oX 
encountering  the  enemyi, 

Wkh  these  operations  terminated  the  Campaign  of 
1813,  in  the  Lower  Province,  but  new  triumphs  still 
awaited  the  British  arms  in  the  Province,  of  Upnef 
Canada.  '" 


156  ADMINiaTRATION   OF  L^^^*' 

Major  General  De  Rottenburgh  was  relieved  in  tlie 
command  of  Upper-Canada,  early  in  December,  by- 
Lieut.  General  Drummond,  who  proceeded  from  King- 
ston to  York,  and  from  thence  to  the  head  of  the  Lake, 
where  the  army  again  resumed  an  offensive  posture, 
mth  a  view  to  regain  possession  of  Fort  George.  Gen. 
M^Clure,  who  on  the  breaking  up  of  the  investment  of 
Fort  George,  had  issued  a  Proclamation,  in  which  he 
affected  to  consider  Upper-Canada  as  abandoned  by 
the  British  army,  and  offered  the  friendship  and  pro- 
tection of  his  Government  to  the  People  of  that  Pro- 
vince, on  the  approach  of  the  British  under  Colonel 

Americans  Murray,  precipitately  evacuated  that  Post 
evacuate  Fort  on  the  12th  December,  and  retreated  across 
George.  ^^^  Niagara,  having,  pursuant  to  the  di- 

rections of  the  American  Secretary  of  War,  most  inhu- 
manly on  the  10th  of  December,  set  fire  to  the  flourish- 
ing Village  of  Newark,  containing  about  one  hundred 
and  fifty  houses ;  which  were  reduced  to  ashes,  leaving 
the  wretched  and  forlorn  inhabitants  with  upwards  of 
four  hundred  women  and  ci^ildren  exposed  to  the  ac- 
cumulated horrors  of  famine,  and  the  inclemency  of  a 
Canadian  winter.  The  British  under  the  command  of 
Colonel  Murray,  scarcely  amounting  to  five  hundred 
men,  including  Indians  and  Militia  immediately  occu- 
pied Fort  George.  The  barbarous  policy  of  the  Ame- 
rican Government  in  destroying  Newark,  exasperated 
the  army  as  well  as  the  inhabitants  on  the  Frontier,  of 
whose  impatience  for  retaliation,  General  Drummond 
promptly  availed  himself  after  the  occupation  of  Fort 
George,  by  adopting  the  resolution  of  tarrying  the 
American  Fort  Niagara  by  surprise. 


1813] 

Ilavi 
gara  r\\ 
ber  of  I 
miles,  fi 
was  effc 

British 
prise  and 
lure  Fort 
agura. 

18th  De 
Royal  1 
Scots,  tl 
giment, 
fifty  mei 
Murray. 
assisted 
with  the 
Mile  Me 
Fort.     I 
wards  th 
vance  of 
Dawson 
the  ordei 
enemy's 
Glacis  an 
Was  obta; 
greatly  d 
the  main 
alarm.     [ 
the  works 
distance, 
valour  of 
Uny  of  ti 


[i8k; 

;d  in  tlie 
iber,  by 
•m  King- 
lie  Lake, 
posture, 
ge.  Gen. 
tment  of 
vhich  he 
loned  by 
and  pro- 
hat  Pro- 
Colonel 
that  Post 
?d  across 
»  the  di- 
ost  inhu- 
flourish- 
hundred 
;,  leaving 
wards  of 
)  the  ac- 
)ncy  of  a 
imand  of 
hundred 
;ly  occu- 
ihe  Ame- 
isperated 
jntier,  of 
ummond 
1  of  Fort 
rying  the 


1813] 


SIR   GEORGE   PRfiVOST. 


157 


Having  only  two  batteaux  at  his  disposal  in  the  Nia- 
gara river,  he  deferred  the  attack  until  a  sufficient  num- 
ber of  batteaux  could  be  conveyed  over  land,   several 
miles,  from  Burlington  at  the  head  of  the  Lake,  which 
was  effected  by  the  exertions  of  Captain  Elliot,  oCthe 
British  sur-  Q"^''*^**  ^^stcr   General's    Department. 
prise  and  cap*  Having   made  every  necessary  arrange- 
lgara^°''*  ^'"  ™«"*»  ^^e  batteaux  were  launched,  and  tlie 
troops  were  embarked  on  the  night  of  the 
18th  December,  consisting  of  a  small  detachment  of 
Royal  Artillery,  the  grenadier  company  of  the  Royal 
Scots,  the  flank  companies  of  the  41st  and  100th  re- 
giment, amounting  in  the  whole  to  five  hundred  and 
fifty  men,  under  the  immediate  command  &f  Colonel 
Murray.    This  small  force  having  crossed  the  river 
assisted  by  the  Provincial  Corps,  as  boatmen,  landed 
with  the  utmost  silence  and  good  order  at  the  Fiw 
Mile  Meadows,  distant  four  and  a  half  miles  from  the 
Fort.     From  this  point,  Colonel  Murray  moved  to- 
wards the  Fort,  having  previously  detached  the  ad- 
vance of  his  division,  under  Captain  Fawcett  and  Lt. 
Dawson  of  the  100th  regiment,  who  gallantly  e»«cuted 
tlie  orders  entrusted  to  them,  by  cutting  off  two  of  the 
enemy's  picquets,  and  surprising  the  centinels  on  the 
Glacis  and  at  the  Gate,  from  whom  tlie  watch  word 
was  obtained,  and  the  entrance  into  the  Fort,  thereby 
greatly  facilitated,  which  was  rapidly  effected  through 
the  main  gate,  before  tlie  enemy  had  time  to  sound  the 
alarm.     The  assailants  having  obtained  possession  of 
the  works,  the  enemy  made  for  some  time  a  feeble  re- 
sistance, but  finally  surrendered  at  discretion.     The 
valour  of  the  troops  engaged  on  this  service,  particu- 
iaijy  of  the  iOOth  regiment,  under  Lieut.  Col.  HamiU 


1^8 


ADMIN X3TBATICN   OP 


[1813 


ton  was  liiglily  conspicuous.    The  loss  of  the  British 
amounted  to  only  one  officer  (Lieut.  Nolan,)  and  five 
men  killed,  and  two  officers  (one  of  them  Colonel  Mur- 
^•ay,  by  a  musket  shot  tlirough  che  wrist,)  and  three 
men  wounded.     The  loss  of  the  enemy  in  slain  amount- 
ed to  sixty-five  men,  (all  with  the  bayonet,)  and  two 
officers  and  twelve  rank  and  file  wounded*    The  pri- 
soners amounted  to  more  than  three  hundred  efi'ective 
men  of  the  regular  army  of  the  United  States.     An  im- 
mense quantity  of  Commissariat  Stores,  with  upwards 
of  three  thousand  stand  of  arms,    a  great  number  of 
rifles  and  several  pieces  of  ordnance,  of  which  twenty- 
seven  ofdiflerent  calibres  were  mounted  on  the  works, 
fell  into  the  hands  of  the  victors.   Major  General  Uiall, 
who  had  Crossed  over  immediately  after  Col.  Murray, 
with  the  whole  body  of  Western  Indians,  and  the  1st 
Battalion  of  Royal  Scots,  and  41st  Regiment,  in  order 
to  support  the  attack,  upon  ascertaining  its  success, 
immediately  marched  along  the  river  upon  Lewistown, 
where    the   enemy  had  established  a  force,  and  had 
erected  batteries  with  the  avowed  purpose  of  destroy- 
ing the  Townof  Queenstown  situated  directly  opposite. 
The  enemy,  upon  the  approach  of  this  division,  aban- 
doned their  position,  leaving  two  guns,  a  twelve  and  a 
six  pounder,   which  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  British, 
with  a  considerable  quantity  of  smalt  arms  and  Stores. 
In  retaliation  for  the  conflagration  of  Newark,  the  in- 
dignant troops  and  auxiliary  Indians  were  let  loose 
upon  the  enemy's  frontier,  and  Lewistown,  Manches- 
ter, and  the  circumjacent  country  were  laid  in  ruins. 
General  Drummond  determined  to  follow  up  these  suc- 
cesses, which  he  could  not  deem  complete  until  he  had 
chased  the  enemy  from  the  whole  frontier,  and  taken 


1813] 

ample  ^ 

tants  of 

to  Chipi 

28th  De 

to  withii 

noitred  i 

mined  tc 

cordingl 

four  con 

companj 

hundred 

of  the  IC 

with  abo 

dian  wai 

about  mi 

vanced  g 

or  part  c 

bridge  o 

enemy  in 

boats  an( 

were  trac 

Fort  Eri( 

Colonel  I 

Black  Ri 

position, 

troops  wh 

by  the  gr 

until  mon 

the  enem^ 

ed  them  f 

fully  acco 

Major  Ge 

and  the  Jig 


[181 


le  British 
I  and  five 
mel  Mur- 
iiul  tiirce 
1  ainount- 
)  ami  two 
The  pri- 
1  eilective 
.  An  im- 
I  upwards 
luuibcr  of 
h  twenty- 
lie  works, 
eral  Rial  I, 
.  Murray, 
[)d  the  1st 
t,  in  order 
is  success, 
lewistown, 

and  had 
if  destroy- 
r  opposite, 
on,  aban- 
elve  and  a 
le  British, 
ind  Stores, 
k,  the  in- 
?  let  loose 
Manches- 
i  in  ruins. 

these  suc- 
itil  he  had 
and  taken 


lJil3] 


81a  OEOROE  PRE?0S  r. 


159 


ample  vengeance  for  his  cruelties  toward  the  inhabi- 
ants  of  Newark  He  therefore  moved  his  forces  up 
to  Ch.ppawa,  where  he  ^xed  his  Head  Quarters  on  the 
28th  December  and  on  the  following  day  approached 
to  wahin  two  milesofFort  Erie,  where  haviTg  recon- 
noitred  the  enemy's  position  .it  Black  Rork,  he  deter- 
mined to  attack  him  in  the  course  of  the  ni^ht.  He  ac- 
cordingly  directed  Gen.  Riall  to  cross  the  river  with 
lour  companies  of  the  King'.*Regi„.ent  and  the  light 
company  of  the  89th  under  Lieut.  Col.  Ogilvv '  two 

ofthe  100th  Regiment,  under  Major  Frend,  together 
with  about  fifty  Militia  Volunteers  and  a  body  of  In- 
dian warriors      This  division    completed  its  landing 
about  midnight,  two  miles  below  Black  Rock,  its  ad- 
vanced guard  having  surprised  and  captured  the  creat- 
or part  of  a  picquet  of  the  enemy,  and  secured  the 
bridge  over  the  Conguichity  Creek,  from  which  the 
enemy  made  several  attempts  to  dislodge  them.     The 
boats  and  batteaux  after  having  crossed  his  division, 
were  tracked  up  as  high  as  the  foot  of  the  rapids  below 
Fort  Erie,  m  order  to  cross  the  Royals  under  Lieut, 
tolonel  Gordon,  who  were  destined   to  land  above 
Jiiack  Rock,  for  the  purpose  of  turning  the  enemy's 
position,  while  he  should  be  attacked  in  front,  by  the 
troops  who  had  landed  below.     The  delay  occasioned 
by  the  grounding  of  the  boats,  which  detained  them 
until  morning,  and  exposed  them  to  th«  open  fire  of 
the  enemy,  caused  the  Royals  some  loss,  and  prevent- 
ed them  from  effecting  a  landing  in  sufficient  time  to 
my  accomplish  the  object  intended     At  day  break 
Major  General  Riall  moved  forward ;  the  Kind's  rps+ 
and  the  light  company  of  the  89th  leading,  andihe  4rst 


160 


ADMINISTKATION  OP 


[1813 


and  Grenadiers  of  tie  lOOCh  forming  the  reserve.    On 
gaining  the  town,  a  very  spirited  attack  was  made  tip- 
on  the  enemy,  who  were  in  great  force  and  strongly 
posted,  and  on  the  arrival  of  the  reserve,  the  action 
became  general.    The  ei^emjr  triaintained  his  position 
with  obstinacy  for  some  time,  but  upon  the  advance 
of  the    British  he  was  compelled  to  give  way,  and 
was  driven  through  his  batteries,  in  which  were  a  twfeii-  ] 
ty-four  pouiider,  three  twelves  and  a  nine  pounder. 
From  Black  Rock,  the  fugitives  were  pui^ued  to  the 
town  of  Buffaloe,  about  two  miles  distant^  where  they 
i-allied  and  shewed  a  large  body  of  infantry  and  ear 
valry,  and  attempted  to  oppose  the  advance  of  the 
British  by  the  fire  of  a  field  piece,  posted  on  a  height 
commanding  the  road;  finding  this  ineffectual,  they 
retreated  in  all  directions,  leaving  a  six-pounder  brass 
field  piece,  one  iron  eighteen,  and  one  iron  six-poi^nd- 
er,  and  betook  themselves  to  the  woods. 

General  Rial  having  dispersed  this  force,  irankidiate- 
ly  detached  Captain  Robinson  of  the  King's  Regiment, 
with  two  companies,  to  destroy  three  vessels  of  the 
enemy's  Lake  squadron,  a  short  distance  below  the 
town,  wkh  their  stores,  which  be  effectually  accom- 
plished. 

The  Americans  in  this  affair,  were  not  less  in  number 
than  2,500,  and  are  supposed  to  have  lost  in  killed  and 
wounded,  from  three  to  four  hundred  men.  Only  one 
hundred  and  tiiirty  men  were  made  prisoners,  and 
among  them  Colonel  Chapin.  The  British  lost  31 
#en  killed,  and  four  officers,  and  sixty-eight  men 
wounded,  and.nine  men  missing.    The  small  towns  of 


1813] 

Baffalo< 
inhabits 
ing  con 
flour,  wl 
set  on  fii 

These 
tirely  cr 
of  the  e 
victims 
heads  bj 
wretchec 
the  justi< 
neraL 

Suchi 
ish  arms 
people  a 
previous] 
province! 

Ample 
and  judi 
niond,  uj 
flagratior 
defencele 
tlie  Fore 
Proclamj 
vage  moc 
parture  fi 
pelled  hi 
cision  anc 
progress 


[1813 

■vc.    On 

oadetip* 

strongly 

le  action 

position 

advance 

myt  and 

a  twfeii-  ; 

pounder. 

ed  to  the 

let^  they 

and  car 

je-  of  the 

a  height 

iial,  they 

der  brass 

x^po^nd- 


wmidiate- 
legiment, 
bIs  of  the 
►elow  the 
T  accom- 


in  number 
killed  and 
Only  one 
ners,  and 
;h  lost  31 
tight  men 
I  towns  of 


1813] 


SIR    CTEOBGE  PBEFOBT. 


161 


Boffaloe  and  Black  Rock  having  been  deserted  by  the 
nrhabitants,  were,  with  all  the  public  stores,  contain- 
ing considerable  quantities  of  doathing,  spirits  and 
flour,  which  could  not  be  conveniently  brought  away 
set  on  fire  and  entirely  consumed. 

These  decisive  and  retaliatory  measures'almost  en- 
tirely  crushed  the  power,  and  destroyed  the  resources 
of  the  enemy  on  the  Niagara  frontier,  and  although 
victims  of  the  retributive  vengeance  brought  on  their 
heads  by  the  barbarity  of  their  own  Commanders,  the 
wretched  inhabitants  are  said  to  have  acquis  ed  in 
the  justice  of  the  measures  pursued  by  the  British  Ge- 
neral* 

Such  were  the  rapid  successes  that  attendad  the  Brit- 
ish arms  in  the  Canadas,  and  cheered  the  hopes  of  the 
people  at  the  close  of  the  campaign,  which  a  few  weeks 
previously,  threatened  the  total  subjugation  of  these 
provinces. 

Ample  vengeance  having  been  taken  by  the  spirited 
and  judicious  promptitude  of  Lieut.  General  Drum- 
mond,  upon  the  Niagara  frontier,  for  the  wanton  con- 
flagration  and  the  cruel  outrages  committed  upon  the 
defenceless  inhabitants  of  Newark,  the  Commander  of 
the  Forces,  on  the  12th  of  January,  1814,  issued  a 
Proclamation,  in  which  be  strongly  deprecated  the  sa- 
vage mode  of  warfare  to  which  the  enemy,  by  a  de- 
parture from  the  established  usages  of  war,  had  com- 
pelled  him  to  resort.  He  traced  with  faithful  pre- 
cision and  correctness,  the  conduct  that  had  marked  the 
progress  of  the  war  on  the  part  of  the  enemy,  and  con- 

14 


ie# 


ADSnNISTa^TION    OF 


[1*814 


eluded  by  lameating  ihe  necessity  imposed  upon  him 
of  retaliating  upon  the  subjects  of  America,  the  mise- 
ries inflicted  upon  the  inhabitants  of  Newark,  but  at 
the  game  time  declared  it  not  to  be  his  intention  fur- 
ther to  pursue  a  8ysten\  of  warfare  so  revolting  to  his 
own  feelings  and  so  little  cogenial  to  the  British  cha- 
racter, unless  he  should  be  so  compelled  by  the  fiitur* 
measures  of  the  enemy.] 


»*ii 


CHAPTER  VIL 


Meefittg  of  the  Provincial  Parliament.  Parliamentary  Proceedings. 
Cliief  Justices  Impeached.  Proceedings  of  the  British  and  America 
Governments  concerning  Hostagbs  for  certain  Traitors  tajcen  by  the 
British  at  the  Battle  of  Queenstawn.  Indian  Embassy  to  Quebec. 
Attack  of  the  Americans  under  General  Wilkinson  upon  the  La 
CoU  Mill. 


ON  the  thirteenth  of  January,  the  Legislature  met 
for  the  dispatch  of  public  business.  The  Go- 
vernor congratulated  the  Parliament  on  the  defeat  of 
the  enemy  at  Chateauguay,  by  a  handful  of  brave  Ca- 
nadians ;  and  on  the  brilliant  victory  obtained  by  the 
small  Corps  of  observation  on  the  banks  of  the  St. 
T.nnr«./^n/.A  /\irot<  i\\a  formidable  armament  command- 


ed  by  Major  General  Wilkinson. 


[1*814 

on  him 
e  mise- 
but  at 
ion  fur- 
^  to  his 
sh  cha- 
e&ture 


1814] 


SIR  GEORGE  PAeVOST. 


163 


oceedings. 
i  America 
cen  by  the 
to  Quebec. 
>n  the  La 


ure  met 
'he  Go- 
defeat  of 
[•ave  Ca- 
i  by  the 
f  the  St. 
)mmand- 


The  Governor,  in  a  secret  and  confidential  message 
to  the  House  of  Assembly  informed  that  body,  that  in 
order  to  carry  on  the  public  services  he  had  found  it 
indispensably  necessary  to  direct  an  issue  of  Army 
Bills  to  a  greater  amount  than  five  hundred  thousand 
pounds  (the  sum  authorized  by  the  late  Army  Bill 
Act)  and  recommended  to  the  immediate  and  serious 
consideration  of  the  House,  the  expedience  of  extend- 
ing the  provisions  of  the  Army  Bill  Act.    The  House 
accordingly  took  the  subject  into  consideration,  and 
passed  a  Bill  extending  the  issue  of  Army  Bills  to  fif- 
teen hundred   thousand   pounds.    The  Militia  Laws 
underwent  some   discussion  but  were  not  altered,  the 
Legislative  Council  not  concurring  with  some  clauses 
which  it  had  been  found  expedient  to  introduce  into 
the  Bill,  sent  up  for  their  concurrence.     A  Bill  to  dis- 
q.ualify  the  Chief  Justices  and  the  Judges  ol  the  Courts 
of  King's  Bench  in  the  Province  from  being  summon- 
ed to  the  Legislative  Council  or  sitting  or  voting  there- 
in,  was   introduced,  and  having  passed   the   Lower 
House,  was   sent  up  to  the   Legislative  Council  for 
their  concurrence.     Here  it  was  unanimously  resolved 
that  the  matters  contained  in  the  Bill,  were  unparlia- 
mentary and  unprecedented,  and  intrenched  upon  the 
prerogative  of  the  Crown  and  the  rights  and  priviL 
edges  of  the  House ;  and  it  was  therefore  also  unani- 
mously resolved  to  proceed  no  further  in  the  consider- 
ation of  the  Bill.     The  House  of  Assembly  upon  find- 
ing it  to  have  been  laid  aside,  appointed  a  Committee 
to  search  the  Journals  of  the  Legislative  Council,  to 
ascertain  ofiicially  what  proceedings  had  been  taken 
with  respect  to  the  Bill  in  question.     The  Committee 
having  taken  information  on  the  subject,  reported  the 


184 


ADMINISTRATION  OF 


[1814 


fate  of  the  Bill  as  collected  from  the  Journals  of  the 
Legislative  Council,  and  the  House  among  other  coun- 
ter resolutions,  indignantly  resolved  "  that  the  Legis- 
lative Council  by  their  refusal  to  proceed  on  that  Bill 
had  excluded  from  their  consideration  a  measure  high- 
ly meriting  the  attention  of  the  Legislature  of  the  Pro- 
vince and  had  therefore  afforded  additional  evidence 
of  its  expedience."  A  Bill  was  also  introduced  as  in 
the  preceding  Session  "  to  grant  to  his  Majesty  [a 
duty  on  the  Income  arising  from  Civil  Offices,  and  on 
Pensions,  to  be  applied  for  the  defence  of  the  Pro- 
vince in  the  present  war  with  the  United  States  of  Ame- 
rica." This  bill  was  rejected  by  the  Legislative  Coun- 
cil. The  Bill  for  tha  appointment  of  an  Agent  in 
Great  Britain  was  also  sent  up  to  the  Legislative  Coun- 
cil, where  it  was  laid  aside. 

The  House  of  Assembly  unanimously  passed  a  vote 
of  thanks  to  Lieut.  Colonel  De  Salaberry,  and  the 
officers  under  his  commaiid  for  their  distinguished  exer- 
tions on  the  26th  of  October  1813,  in  the  action  on  the 
Chateaoguay  river,  and  directed  the  Speaker  to  signi- 
fy the  same  to  Lieut.  Colonel  Salaberry  and  the  offi- 
cers present  on  that  occasion,  and  that  the  House  high- 
ly felt  and  acknowledged  the  distinguished  valour  and 
discipline  conspicuously  displayed  by  the  non-commis- 
sioned officers  and  private  soldiers  and  militia-men  of 
the  little  band  under  his  immediate  command  in  the 
signal  defeat  of  the  American  army  under  General 
Hampton  at  Chateauguay.  To  Lieut.  Colonel  Mor- 
rison of  the  89th  Regiment  and  to  the  officers  and  men 
under  his  command  a  similar  vote  of  thanks  was  pas- 
sed lor  their  exertions  on  the  Uth  November  iblSj 


[1814 

Is  of  the 
er  coun- 
e  Legis- 
that  Bill 
we  high- 
the  Pro- 
svidence 
:ed  as  in 
ajesty  [a 
,  and  on 
the  Pro- 
of Ame- 
e  Coun- 
Lgent  in 
e  Coua- 


d  a  vote 
and  the 
led  exer- 
)n  on  the 
to  signi- 
the  offi- 
ise  high- 
lour  and 
commis- 
i-men  of 
id  in  the 
General 
lel  Mor- 
and  men 
ivas  pas- 
er  1813, 


1814] 


SIR   GEORGE   PREVOST. 


165 


at  Chrystler's  Farm  in  the  defeat  of  the  American  ar- 
my under  General  Wilkinson.  . 

The  House  of  Assembly  at  an  early  period  of  the 
Session,  on  motion  of  Mr.  J.  Stuart,  resolved  that  it 
would  take  into  consideration  the  power  and  authority 
exercised  by  the  Courts  of  Justice,  in  this  Province, 
under  the  denomination  of  rules  of  practice,  and  the 
Clerk  of  the  Court  of  Appeals,  as  well  as  the  Prothon- 
otaries  of  the  Courts  itof  King's  Bench  for  the  Dis- 
tricts of  Quebec  and  Montreal,  were  respectively  or- 
dered to  lay  before  the  House,  certified  copies  of  the 
Rules  of  Practice  of  those  Courts.     On   the  4th  of 
February,  the  subject  having  been  previously  discus- 
sed in  Committee,  the  House  adopted  several  resolu- 
tions  concerning  those  Rules  oC  Practice,  which  it 
considered  rather  in  the  sense  of  Legislative  enact- 
ments, and  therefore  an  encroachment  on  the   privil- 
eges of  the  Legislature,  than  as  simple  rules  or  regular 
tions  for  the  guidance  of  judicial  proceedings.     The 
rules  in  question  had  first  been  framed  and  introduced 
into  the  Provincial  Court  of  Appeals  (where  the  Chief 
Justice  of  the  Province,  and  the  Chief  Justice  of  Mon- 
treal, alternately  preside)  in  January,  1809,  and  in  the 
same  year,  the  Courts  of  King's  Bench  at  Quebec  anfi 
Montreal,  followed  the  example  of  the  Courts  of  Ap- 
peals, under  the  sanction  of  an  Act  of  the  Provincial 
Legislature,  giving  the  different  "  Courts  of  Judicature 
"  in  the  Province,  power  and  authority  to  make  and 
"  establish  Orders  and  Rules  of  Practice  in  the  said 
"  Courts  in  all  civil  matters,  touching  all  services  of. 
"  process,  executions  and  returns  of  all  writs,  proceed- 
^'  ings  for  bringing  causes  to  issue  as  vveU  in,  term  time  sis 

14* 


w 


ADMINISTRATION  OP 


[1814 


\ 


"  out  of  term,  and  other  matters  of  regulation  within 
•*  the  said  courts."  It  was,  however,  now  maintained  in 
the  House  of  Assembly,  that  these  rules  aflfected  the 
civil  rights  of  His  Majesty's  subjects,  and  were  contrary 
to  and  subversive  of  the  laws  of  the  province :  that  they 
rendered  the  enjoyment  of  liberty  and  property  alto- 
gether insecure  and  precarious,  and  gave  to  the  Judges 
an  arbitrary  authority  over  the  persons  and  property 
of  His  Majesty's  Subjects  in  the  province.  For  these, 
and  other  specific  political  high  crimes  and  misdemean- 
ors, alledged  to  have  been  committed  in  the  course  of 
the  late  administration  of  the  Colonial  Government  by 
Sir  J.  H.  Craig,  tending  to  mislead  and  deceive  that 
officer  in  the  exercise  of  his  authority,  to  oppress  the 
people  and  alienate  their  minds  from  His  Majesty's 
Government,  in  order  (as  it  was  contended)  to  favor 
the  progress  of  American  influence  in  the  Province, 
the  two  Chief  Justices  were  formerly  impeached  by 
the  Commons  of  Lower-Canada, 

Mr.  J.  Stuart  was  appointed  Agent  for  the  purpose 
of  prosecuting  the  Impeachments  with  efiect,  on  behalf 
of  the  Commons  of  Lower-Canada,  who,  in  a  money 
Bill,  appropriated  the  sum  of  two  thousand  pounds,  in 
order  to  enable  him  to  proceed  to  England,  in  conse- 
quence of  which  the  Bill  was  rejected  by  the  Legisla- 
tive Council.*  The  Impeachments  havingbcen  digest- 
ed into  seventeen  different  heads  against  the  Chief 
Justice  of  the  Province,  and  into  eight  heads  against 
the  Chief  Justice  of  Montreal,  charged  among  other 
things,  with  promoting  and  advising  certain  criminal 

*  This,  Bill  contained  p  grant  of  j6  20,000,  for  the  IVi  litia,  and  a  Jike 
dum  fu  the  support  oltti«  Wac. 


1814] 

proscci 
them ; 
pus  to  p 
sembly 
their  S| 
vernor, 
an  Add 
occasio 
the  Prii 
ed  the  | 
their  pu 
sure  sh< 

The- 
opportu 
cles  of  s 
jesty's  IV 
to  suspe 
Address 
ture  alo 
the  Legi 
which  tl 
brage  t 
Castle, 
Excellei 
Address 
rights  a 
March,  1 
justice  U 
recently 
again  re 
"  perver 
''jectof 


[1814 

I  within 
lined  in 
:ted  the 
ontrary 
lat  they 
ty  alto- 
Judges 
roperty 
•r  these, 
iemean- 
>urse  of 
nent  by 
ive  that 
ress  thie 
[ajesty's 
to  favor 
rovince, 
ched  by 


purpose 
n  behalf 
\  money 
)unds,  in 
n  conse- 
Legisla- 
n  digest- 
le  Chief 
;  against 
)g  other 
criminal 

and  a  like 


1814] 


SIR  GEORGG  PRE70ST. 


167 


prosecutions  at  Montreal,  and  sitting  in  judgment  upon 
them  ;  and  with  having  refused  a  Writ  of  Habeas  Cor- 
pus to  persons  legally  entitled  thereto,  the  House  of  As- 
sembly on  the  3d  of  March,  went  up  to  the  Castle  with 
their  Speaker,  and  presented  an  Address  to  the  Go- 
vernor, praying  him  to  transmit  the  impeachment,  with 
an  Address  to  the  Prince  Regent  drawn  up  for  the 
occasion,  to  His  Majesty's  Ministers,  to  be  laid  before 
the  Prince  Regent.  They  at  J  be  same  time  suggest- 
ed the  propriety  of  suspending  the  Chief  Justices  from 
their  public  functions,  urtil  the  Prince  Regent's  plea- 
sure should  be  known. 

The  Governor  replied  that  he  would  take  an  early 
opportunity  of  transmitting  the  Address,  with  the  arti- 
cles of  accusation  against  the  Chief  Justices,  to  His  Ma- 
jesty's Ministers ;  but  hat  the  did  not  think  it  expedient 
to  suspend  the  Chief  Justices  from  their  offices,  upon  an 
Address  to  that  effect  from  one  branch  of  the  Legisla- 
ture alone,  founded  on  articles  of  accusation,  on  which 
the  Legislative  Council  had  not  been  consulted,  and  in 
which  they  bad  not  concurred.  This  answer  gave  um- 
brage to  the  House,  which,  upon  returning  from  the 
Castle,  among  other  resolutions,  resolved  "  that  His 
Excellency  the  Governor  in  Chief,  by  his  answer  to  the 
Address  of  the  House,  had  violated  the  Constitutional 
rights  and  privileges  thereof."     On   the  seventh   of 
March,  the  House,  probably  influenced  by  a  sense  of 
justice  towards  the  Governor,  whose  conduct  it  had  so 
recently  censured,  in  mitigation  of  its  late  resolution, 
again  resolved,  "  that  notwithstanding  the  wicked  and 
"  perverse  advice  given  to  His  Excellency  on  the  sub- 
"  ject  of  the  Coustitutionai  rights  and  privileges  of  that 


168 


ADMINISTRATION   OF 


[1814 


"  House,  and  the  endeavours  of  evil  disposed  advisers 
**  to  lead  him  into  error,and  to  embroil  him  with  his  Ma- 
"  jesty's  faithful  Commons  of  this  Province,  the  House 
**  had  not  in  any  respect  altered  the  opiirion  it  had 
-"  ever  entertained  of  the  wisdom  of  his  Excellency's 
"  Administration,^  and  that  it  was  determined  to  adopt 
"  the  measures  it  had  deemed  necessary  for  the  sup- 
"  port  of  the  Government  and  the  defence  of  the  Pro- 


"  vincfc." 


The  House  also  drew  up  an  Address  to  the  Prince 
Regent  on  the  state  of  the  Province,  and  the  progress 
of  the  war  with  the  United  States,  in  which  the  exer- 
tions of  the  people  and  the  urgency  of  early  assistance 
were  briefly  expressed.* 

Suchwere  the  principal  affairs  that  occupied  the  at- 
tention of  the  House  of  Assembly  during  the  present 
Session  which  on  the  seventeenth  of  jVHrch  was  pro- 
rogued by  the  Governor. 

It  has  been  already  mentioned  that  among  t^.e  pri- 
soners taken  at  the  battle  of  Queenstown  in  the  au- 
tumn of  1812,  twenty-three  men  were  recognized  as 
deserters,  and  British  born  subjects.  As  traitors  to 
their  country,  the  commander  of  the  forces  had  sent 
them  to  England  for  legal  trial.  This  circumstance 
being  made  known  to  the  American  government  by  the 
American  Commissary  of  prisoners  at  London,  General 

*  The  strength  of  the  six  battalions  of  Canadian  Embodied  Militia 
amounted  in  the  month  of  December,  1814,  according  to  a  return  sub- 
mitted to  the  House  of  Assembly,  to  3893  men,  exclusive  of  the  Vol- 
*;„.,«ra   fV,P  Frontier  Licht  Infantry,  and  other  Militia  and  Provincial 
Corps^ 


1814] 

Dearbc 

equal  i 

ment  as 

this  me; 

ral  ord( 

that  he 

gent  to 

mission! 

for  the  1 

govern r 

vernmei 

suffer  c 

of  the  f 

who  bac 

instruct< 

Non-coi 

ble  the 

so  unwa 

retaliati^ 

ting  this 

comman 

commani 

coast  of 

cute  the  1 

towns  an 

against  1 

tion  shot 

they  shoi 

of  the  sol 

On  the 
forces  re< 
*T  uKinsoi 


[1814 

advisers 
ii  his  Ma- 
le House 
1  it  had 
ellency's 
to  adopt 
the  sup- 
the  Pro- 


le  Prince 
progress 
the  exer- 
Lssistance 


d  the  at- 
i  present 
was  pro- 


5  ih.e  pri- 
ni  the  au- 
;nized  as 
raitors  to 
had  sent 
umstance 
nt  by  the 
,  General 

died  Militia 
return  sub- 
of  the  Vol- 
i  Provincial 


1814] 


51R  GEORGE   PREVOST. 


169 


Dearborn  was  ordered  by  his  government  to  put  an 
equal  number  of  British  soldiers  into  close  confine- 
ment as  hostages,  for  the  former.    In  consequence  of 
this  measure,  the  commander  of  the  forces,  by  a  gene- 
ral order  of  the  27th  of  October,  1813,  made  it  known 
that  he  had  received  the  commands  of  the  Prince  Re- 
gent to  put  forty-six  American  officers  and  Non-Com- 
missioned  Officers,  into  close  confinement  as  hostages, 
for  the  twenty-three  soldiers  confined  by  the  American 
government.    He  at  the  same  time  apprised  that  go- 
vernment, that  if  any  of  the  British  soldiers  should 
sufler  death  by  reason  of  the  guilt   and  execution 
of  the  traitors  found  in  arms  against  their  country, 
who  bad  been  sent  to  England  for  legal  trial,  he  was 
instructed  to  select  out  of  the  American  officers   and 
Non-commissioned  officers  detained  as  hostages,  dou- 
ble the  number  of  the  British  soldiers  who  might  he 
so  unwarrantably  put  to  death,  and  to  cause  them  ia 
retaliation,  to  sufler  death  immediately.    In  transmit- 
ting this  information  to  the  American  government,  the 
commander  of  the  forces  alsp  notified  them,  that  the 
commanders  of  His  Majesty's  armies  and  fleets  on  the 
coast  of  America,  had  received  instructions  to  prose- 
cute the  war  with  unmitigated  severity  against  all  cities, 
towns  and  villages  belonging  to  the  United  States,  and 
against  the  inhabitants  thereof,  if  after  that  informa- 
tion should  have  reached  the  American  government, 
they  should  not  be  deterred  from  putting  to  death  any 
of  the  soldiers  detained  as  hostages. 

On  the  tenth  of  December,  the  commander  of  the 
Jjrces  received  a  communication  from  Major  General 
Wilkinsoii  by  Colonel  Macomb,  of  hte  United  States 


170 


ADMINISTRATION   OF 


[leii  I  1814] 


army,  bearing  a  flag  of  truce,  stating,  "  that  the  go- 
vernment of  the  U  '^   ^  States,  adhering  unalterably 
to  the  principle  :imi  < -.apose  declared  in  the  commu- 
nication  of  Geueral  Dearborn,  on  the  subject  of  the 
23    American  prisoners    of   war,   sent   to   England 
to  be  tried  as  criminals,  and   the  confinement  of   a 
like  number  of  British  soldier?,  prisoners  selected  to 
abide  the  fate  of  the  former,  had,  in  consequence  of  the 
step  taken  by  the  British  government,  ordered  forty- 
six  British  officers  into  close  confinement,  and  that 
they  should  not  be  discharged  therefrom  until  it  should 
be  known  that  the  forty-six  American  officers  and  non- 
commissioned officers  in  question,  were  no  longer  con- 
fined."   In  consequence  of  this,  the  Governor  order- 
ed all  the  American  officers,  prisoners  of  war,  without 
exception  of  rank,  to  be  immediately  placed  in  close 
confinement  as  hostages,  until-  tiie  number  of  forty- 
six  were  completed  over  and  above  those  already  in 
confinement.     In   pursuance   of  this  order.  Generals 
Winder,  Chandler  and   Winchester,  were  conveyed 
from  their  quarters  in  the  country  at  Beauport,  to  a 
private  house  in  Quebec,  where  their  confinement  was 
rendered  as  little  inconvenient  as  their  situation  could 
admit  of. 

On  the  fifteenth  of  April  following,  after  some  ne- 
gociation  between  Colonel  Bayiies  the  adjutant-gene- 
ral,  and  brigadier-general  Winder,  on  the  part  of  the 
American  government,  a  convention  was  entered  into 
at  Montreal,  by  which  it  was  mutually  agreed,  to  re- 
lease the  hostages  and  make  an  exchange  of  prisoners, 
the  American  government  relinquishing  its  pretensions 
la  retaliate  for  the  prisoners  sent  to  Kngland,  for  legal 


[ISM  I  1814] 


SIR  GEORGE  PBEVOST* 


iU 


(rial  as  traitors  to  their  country.  This  convention  was 
ratified  in  July  at  Champlain,  near  tlie  lines,  by  Col. 
Lear,  deputed  for  that  purpose  by  the  American  go- 
vernment, and  by  Colonel  Baynes  and  Mr.  Brenton, 
on  the  part  of  the  British  government.* 

The  most  active  exertions  were  made  during  the  win* 
ter  to  be  prepared  for  the  ensuing  campaign.  Stores 
of  all  descriptions  w-re  forwarded  to  Kingston,  from 
Quebec  and  Montreal  on  sleighs  at  prodigious  expenre. 
The  second  battalion  of  the  8th  regiment,  command- 
ed by  Lieut.  Colonel  Robertson,  marched  through  the 
woods  from  Fredericton  to  the  St.  Lawrence  in  the 
month  of  February.  A  reinforcement  of  two  hundred 
and  twenty  seamen  for  the  Lakes  came  by  the  same 
route.  To  expedite  the  progress  of  these  reinforce- 
ments, the  Legislature  of  New-Brunswick  voted  three 
hundred  pounds,  and  the  City  of  St.  John  gave  a  simi- 
lar sum  to  defray  the  expence  of  conveying  them  on 
sleighs,  as  far  the  nature  of  the  roads  would  permit. 

In  the  month  of  March  an  Embassy  of  Chiefs  and 
Warriors  from  the  Ottawas,  Chippawas,  Shawnees, 
Delawares,  Mohawks,  Saiks,  Foxes,  Kickapoos,  and 
Winabagoes,  arrived  at  Quebec  to  visit  and  to  hold  a 
Council  with  the  Commander  of  the  Forces.  His  Ex- 
cellency on  the  fiftef  th  of  that  month  gave  them  an 
audience,  and  held  a  Talk  or  conference  with  them  at 
the  Castle  of  Saint  Lewis.    Their  speeches  were  prin- 

*  The  negoGiation  was  opened  at  the  solicitations  of  the  Amer< can. 
government  in  a  letter  from  the  Secretary  of  State,  to  Sir  George  Pre- 
vost,  who  consented  to  the  exchange  of  Brieadier-General  Winder  for 
the  purpose  of  nego«iating. 


172 


ADMINISTRATION   Of 


[Veu     I    1814] 


cipally  complimentary  and  expressive  of  their  joy  on 
beholding  their  Father,  and  meeting  hira  in  Council. 
They   expressed   their  poverty,  and  requested   that 
peace  might  not  be  concluded  with  the  American  go- 
vernment,  until   tJiey  recover  the  ancient  bounds  of 
tbelr  territories  of  which  the  enemy  had  deprived  them 
by  fraud  and  by  violence.     They  represented  the  loss 
they  had  experienced  of  their  young  men  in  the  war, 
but  expressed  their  determination  to  persevere,  and  so- 
licited arms  for  their  Warriors,  and  clothing  for  their 
women  and  children.  "  The  Americans   (said  one  of 
"  the  Chiefs)  are  taking  our  lands  from  us  every  day, 
**  4hey  have  no  hearts,  father,  they  have  no  pity  for 
"  iis,  they  want  to  drive  us  beyond  the  setting  Sun ; 
**  but  we  hope,  although  we  are  few,  and  are  here  as  it 
"  were  upon  a  little  Island,  our  great  and  mighty  fatlier 
"  who  lives  beyond  the  great  Lake,  will  not  forsake 
"  us  in  our  distress,  but  will  continue  to  remember  his 
"  faithful  red  children."     The  Governor  in  answer, 
strongly  exhorted  tliem  to  persevere  in  the  contest 
against  the  common  enemy,  in  order  to  regain  the  ter- 
ritory Josft  in  the  last  campaign.    He  expressed  his 
sorrow  for  the  loss  -of  one  of  their  Warriors  (Tescum- 
seh)  and  for  that  of  many  other  valiant  Chiefs  during 
the  war.    He  charged  them  upon  all  occasions,  to 
spare  and  shew  mercy  to  all  women,  children  and  pri- 
soners that  should  fall  within  their  power,  an  injunction 
to  which  the  listening  Chiefs  unanimously  murmured 
approbation.     After  some  days  residence  at  Quebec 
they  were  loaded  with  presents,  and  despatched  for  the 
Upper-Province  in  their  way  homewards,  to  prepare 
their  tribes  for  the  approaching  campaign. 


[Veu     I   1614] 


Sia    eEORGB    PREVOtoT. 


ITS 


.  On  the  twenty-sixth  of  March,  His  Excellency  issued 
a  General  Order  expressing  the  approbation  of  the 
Prince  Regent  of  the  affair  of  Chateauguay,  and  his 
"  peculiar  pleasure  at  finding  that  His  Majesty's  Ca- 
nadian Subjects  had  at  length  the  opportunity  of 
refuting  by  their  own  brilliant  exertions  in  defence  of 
their  Country,  the  calumnious  charge  of  disafiectioji 
and  disloyalty,  with  which  the  enemy  had  prefaced  his 
first  invasion  of  the  Province."  To  Lieut.  Colonel  De 
Salaberry  in  particular,  ^nd  to  all  the  officers  and  naea 
under  his  command,  the  sense  entertained  by  His  Royal 
Highness  of  their  meritorious  and  distinguished  ser- 
vices was  made  known.  The  Commander  of  the 
Forces  at  the  same  time  acquainted  the  militia  of  the 
determination  of  His  Royal  Highness  to  forward  Co« 
lours  for  the  five  Battalions  of  Embodied  Militia,  feel- 
ing that  they  had  evinced  an  ability  and  disposition  to 
secure  them  from  insult  which  gave  them  the  best  title 
to  such  a  mark  of  distinction.  So  flattering  a  testimony 
of  the  Royal  approbation  could  not  fail  to  raise  the 
honest  pride  of  the  Provincial  Militia,  but  they  were 
disappointed  in  their  hopes,  and  the  promise  &tiU  re- 
mains to  be  accomplished.  ^  ^i 


A  movement  of  the  American  forces  in  the  neigh- 
bourhood of  Lake  Champlain  towards  the  conclusion 
of  March,  gave  room  to  expect  an  invasion  of  the  Dis- 
trict of  Montreal.  Brigadier  General  Macomb  with  a 
division  of  the  American  forces  from  Plattsburgh  cros« 
sed  Lake  Champlain  upon  the  ice,  and  entered  St. 
Arraands,  where  he  remained  some  days  without  mo- 
lestation, while  General  Wilkinson  prepared  for  an  at- 


4.i 


I «4«  «r  f\^,.u. 


r,w^^        AI^^ 


•  w  wUkUUSiS    Vi   %.rU7SK<^7T*a,    filUU     «uv 


IB 


174 


ADMINISTRATION   0*" 


[1814 

Mill,  a  stone  building  which  had  been  converted  into 
a  Block  House.  On  the  morning  of  the  thirteenth  of 
March,  (General  Macomb  having  suddenly  withdrawn 
his  division  from  St.  Armands,  and  rejoined  the  main 
body)  the  American  forces  consisting  of  five  thousand 
reen,  commanded  by  General  Wilkinson  in  person,  en- 
tered Odeltown.  Major  Handcock,  commanding  at 
the  Mill,  received  intelligence  at  eight  o'clock  in  the 
morning  of  the  approach  of  the  enemy,  and  immedi- 
ately sent  off  a  despatch  to  the  Isle-aux-Noix  for  a 
reinforcement,  from  whence  a  picquet  of  the  13th  regt. 
under  the  command  of  Captain  Blake,  marchtd  towards 
Odeltown,  and  took  post  about  two  miles  from  the 
Mill.  The  enemy  halted  for  a  short  time  at  the  village, 
and  then  made  a  demonstration  upon  Burtonville  with 
a  part  of  their  force.  Their  advance  in  that  directf-itt 
tvas  checked  by  part  of  the  grenadiers  of  the  Canadian 
Fencibles  under  Captain  Cartwright,  and  a  few  oT  the 
Frontier  Light  Infantry  under  Captain  Barker.  Capt. 
Blake's  picquet  hearing  the  firing,  concluded  that  the 
tvhole  of  the  enemy's  force  had  taken  that  road,  and 
in  consequence  retreated  to  the  Mill,  from  whence  they 
Rgain  advanced  and  took  post  in  advance.  The  ene- 
my shortly  after  appeared  in  considerable^  force ;  the 
fjicquet  fired  three  vollies  and  retreated  to  the  Mill. 
At  one  o'clock  the  enemy  was  seen  deploying  in  the 
Attack  upon  wood,  with  the  intention  of  surrounding 
Xa  Cole  mi  the  Mill ;  a  fire  wals  immediately  commenc- 
ed which  they  did  not  return  for  some  time,  but  ap- 
]f)eared  determined  to  carry  the  place  by  assault,  as 
they  advanced  cheering  one  another  :  the  heavy  fire 
obliged  them  to  relinquish  their  plan  and  retreat  to  the 
^ood,  tvhere  thev  were  comDleteLv  sheltered.  A  twelve 


[1814 

ed  into 
?enth  of 
hdrai^vn 
he  main 
lousand 
son,  en- 
ding at 
i.  in  the 
immedi- 
ix  for  a 
Ith  regt. 
towards 
'om  the 
village, 
ille  v^ith 
lirectfnia 
anadian 
6v  oTthe 
.  Capt. 
that  the 
»ad,  and 
ice  they 
^he  ene- 
'ce;  the 
he  Mill. 
^  in  the 
ounding 
•mmenc- 
but  ap- 
sault,  as 
javy  fire 
at  to  the 
A  twelve 


SIR  GEORGE  PREVOST^ 


t15 


1814] 

pounder  was  brought  to  bear  upon  the  mill,  but  so  bad- 
ly served,  that  during  a  cannonade  of  two  hours  and 
a  half,  only  four  shots  struck  the   building,  the  gun 
being  within  the  range  of  musketry  the  artHIery  suffer- 
ed severely,  and  in  fact  were  unable  to  take  aim  with 
any  degree,  of  precision.     A  gun-boat  from  the  Isle- 
aux-Noix,  commanded  by  Lieut.  Hicks,  R.  N.  kept  up 
an  incessant  fire  upon  the  spot  where  the  American 
army  was  posted,  but  from  the  distance  and  the  height 
of  the  intervening  woods  little  or  no  execution  was 
done.    The  two  flank  companies  of  the  1 3th  Regiment 
arrived  from  the  Isle-aux-Noix  at  half  past  two  o'clock, 
and  were  immediately  ordered  to  charge  the  enemy 
in  front—they  advanced  as  far  as  the  wood  in  line, 
but  the  difficulty  of  marching  through  the  snow  with  a 
galling  fire  in  front,  and  on  the  Mt  flank,  checked 
the  rapidity  of  their  progress,  and  soon  compelled 
them  to  retire  to  the  Block  House.    The  grenadiers 
of  the  Canadian  Fencibles  and  a  company  of  the  Vol- 
tiguers  just  now   arriving  from   Burtonville,    Major 
Handcock  ordered  them  to  support  the  flank  companies 
of  the  13th  Regiment  in  a  second  charge,  to  which 
they  advanced  in  column  of  sections.*    The  Americans 
had  now  concentrated  their  whole  force  close  to  the 
gun,  but  did  not  attempt  to  fire  till  the  British  had  ad- 
vanced to  within  twenty-five  yards  of  their  centre, 
and  were  completely  flanked  on  both  sides ;  the  first 
discharge  of  the  enemy  was  so  eflfectually  destructive 
that  these  companies  were  entirely  broken,  and  com- 

*  The  force  in  the  Mill  when  attacked,  was  160  men.  The  rein* 
forccments  which  arrived  during  the  action,  amounted  to  about  two 
hundred  men.  Some  accounts  (which  have  been  considered  probable) 

state  the  American  Insa  «t   13  tillorl.  nnrl   IOM  ninnnAi^A  o^  J  on  „.:._:__ 


• 


170 


ADMINISTRATION   OF 


[1814 


pelled  to  retreat  from  the  woods  in  the  greatest  dis- 
order. All  attempts  to  rally  them  were  ineffectual, 
and  they  were  recalled  by  the  bugle  to  the  Block 
House.  It  is  conjectured  that  the  gun  was  spiked  by 
the  enemy  during  the  first  charge,  as  it  was  not  made 
any  use  of  afterwards.  The  Americans  exhausted 
with  cold  and  fatigue,  and  finding  it  impossible  to  car- 
ry the  place  without  heavy  artillery,  which  from  the 
state  of  the  roads,  could  not  be  brought  forward,  with- 
drew their  forces  in  good  order  from  the  contest,  at 
five  o'clock  in  the  afternoon,  without  being  pursued 
in  the  retreat — The  British  loss  amounted  to  ten  men 
hilled  and  four  men  missing,  and  two  officers  and  forty- 
four  men  wounded.  The  American  loss,  though  con- 
siderable, has  not  been  precisely  ascertained.  Having 
failed  in  the  attempt  to  carry  a  Block  House  scarcely 
deserving  the  appellation  of  a  military  post,  the  enemy 
fell  bji:k  upon  Champlain  town,  from  whence  they 
soon  retired  to  Plattsburgh.  General  Wilkinson  after 
this  abortive  attempt  to  retrieve  his  military  fame, 
seems  to  have  been  removed  from  his  command,  or  to 
have  sought  a  voluntary  retirement,  from  a  service  in 
which  he  had  experienced  nothing  but  disappointment 
and  reverses. 


CCS 


[1814 


1814] 


filll  GEOKGE  PREYOST. 


J  77 


test  dis- 
ffectual, 
?  Block 
liked  by 
ot  made 
:hausted 
s  to  car- 
from  the 
'd,  with- 
ntest,  at 
pursued 
ten  men 
id  forty- 
gh  con- 
HaviDg 
scarcely 
}  enemy 
ce  they 
on  after 
y  fame, 
d,  or  to 
rvice  in 
•intment 


CHAPTER  VIIL 


Occurrences  during  the  winter  1813-M.  Attack  upon  Oswego.  Inva» 
sion  of  Upper-Canada  by  the  American  forces  under  General  Brown. 
Capture  of  Fort  Erie.  Battle  of  Chippawa.  Battle  of  Lundy's 
Lane.  Assault  upon  Fort  Erie.  Capture  of  Prairie  du  Chien.  Ex- 
pedition against  Michillimackinac  by  the  Americans.  Operationg  by 
Sir  John  C.  Sherbiooke.  Expedition  to  Plattsburgh.  Sortie  from 
Fort  Erie.  Evacuation  of  Fort  Erie  by  the  American  Forces.  Mis- 
cellaneous occurrences.  Meeting  of  the  Provincial  Parliament, 
Kecall  of  Sir  George  Prevost.    His  departure  from  Quebec, 


IN  Upper-Canada  the  occurrences  during  the  win- 
ter were  of  small  importance,  being  principally 
confined  to  incursions  reciprocally  practised  by  the 
troops  in  advance  along  the  frontiers  with  various  suc- 
cess. One  of  the  most  successful  enterprises  effected  ia 
the  course  of  the  present  season,  was  planned  and  execu- 
ted by  Captai'i  Sherwood,  of  the  Quarter-Master-Gen- 
eral's  Department.  That  officer  with  a  subaltern,  and  a 
small  detachment  of  twenty  rank  and  file  of  the  Ma- 
pines  and  ten  men  of  the  embodied  militia,  under  Cap- 
tain Kerr,  proceeded  over  the  St.  Lawrence,  on  the 
night  of  the  6th  of  February,  from  Cornwall  in  Up- 
per-Canada,  to  Madrid,  on  Grass  River,  fourteen  miles 
beyond  the  village  of  Hamilton,  and  brought  away  a 
considerable  quantity  of  merchandise  (having  pressed 
all  the  horses  and  sleighs  he  could  find,  for  that  pur- 
pose) plundered  from  British  merchants  near  Cornwall 
i^in  October  preceding,  when  on  their  route  to  Upper- 

15* 


178 


ADMINISTRATION  OF 


[1814 


Canada.  These  effects  were  to  have  been  sold  on  ac- 
count of  the  United  States  government,  notwithstand- 
ing an  agreement  for  their  restitution  entered  into  on 
the  10th  of  November,  by  Judge  Ogden  and  Mr.  Rich- 
ardson on  the  part  of  the  United  States,  and  Lieut. 
Colonel  Morrison  and  Captain  Mulcaster,  (Royal  Na- 
vy,) on  the  part  of  the  British  Government.  The  In- 
habitants made  i)o  opposition  to  the  seizure  and  trans- 
portation of  these  effects,  nor  did  they  experience  any 
molestation  from  the  party,  who,  at  two  o'clock  on  the 
ensuing  day  retured  to  their  quarters  with  the  most  va- 
luable of  the  Merchandise  for  which  they  proceeded 
to  Madrid. 


A  slight  loss  was  experienced  in  an  unsuccessful  ef- 
fort made  by  a  detachment  consisting  of  the  flank 
companies  of  the  Royal  Scots  and  the  light  company 
of  the  89th  Regiment,  under  the  command  of  Captain 
Barsden  of  the  89th,  for  the  purpose  of  dislodging  a 
strong  party  of  the  enemy  who  had  taken  post  at 
liongwood  in  the  advance  at  Delaware  town.  Tlje 
enemy  had  secured  themselves  on  a  commanding  emi- 
nence behind  log  entrenchments,  and  were  attacked 
at  five  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  of  the  4th  of  March 
by  this  force,  support*  d  by  a  flank  movement  to 
the  right  of  a  company  of  militia  Rangers  under 
Captain  Caldwell,  with  a  detachment  of  the  Kent  Mi- 
litia, and  a  similar  movement  by  a  party  of  Indians 
to  the  left.  After  several  repeated  but  unsuccessful 
efforts  to  dislodge  the  enemy  in  a  spirited  contest  of  an 
hour  and  a  half,  the  troops  having  suffered  severely, 
were  withdrawn.  The  enemy  soon  afterwards  aban- 
doned the  position*  Xh^  Utitkh  lo&t^  two  officers  ?ind 


[1814 

[  on  ac- 
hstand- 
into  on 
r.  Rich- 
Lieut, 
yal  Na- 
riie  In- 
d  trans- 
nce  any 
k  on  the 
nost  va- 
)ceeded 


ssful  ef- 
le  flank 
ampany 
Captain 
dging  a 
post  at 
1.  Tlje 
ng  erai- 
ittacked 
f  March 
ment  to 
5  under 
;ent  Mi- 
Indians 
iccessful 
est  of  an 
everely. 
Is  aban- 
;€rs  ?ind 


1814] 


SIR    GEORGE   PRETOST. 


1T9 


twelve  men  killed,  and  three  officers  and  forty-nine 
men  v  ounded,  including  an  officer  and  six  men  of  the 
Kent  Militia  Volunteers,  who  distinguished  themselves 
on  the  occasion. 

The  campaign  was  opened  in  Upper  Canada  by  Sir 
Gordon  Drummond  and  Sir  James  L.  Yeo,  under  the 
most  cheering  auspices.     The  American  forces,  along 
the  Lake  Champlain,  after  leavinp^  3.null  garrisons  at 
Plattsburgb,  Burlington  and  Vergennes,  moved  early 
in  the  spring  towards  Lake  Ontario  and  the  Niagara 
frontier,  with  a  view  of  resuming  offensive  operations 
against  the   Upper  Province,  as  soon  as  the  fleet  at 
Sachet's  Harbour  (considerably  augmented  during  the 
winter)  should  be  in  a  state  to  co-operate  with  tlie 
land  forces.  The  principal  Naval  Stores  for  the  equip- 
ment of  the  fleet  were  forwarded  to  Sacket's  Harbour 
by  the  way  of  Oswego,  and  as  the  British  Naval  force 
at  Kingston,  strengthened  by  two  additional  ships,  the 
Prince  Regent  and  Princess  CharlottCj  were  ready  to 
appear  on  the  Lake  early  in  the  season,  it  became  an 
object  ofimportance  to  intercept  the  enemy's  supplies, 
and  by  that  means  retard  his  preparations  for  invasion! 
An  expedition  against  Oswego  was  therefore  deter- 
mined upon,  and  Gen.  Drummond  having  embarked  a 
considerable  force,  consisting  of  six  companies  of  De 
Attack  upon  VVatteville's  regiment,  the  light  comp,-  ny  of 
Oswego.  ,       jhe  Glengaries  the  second  Battalion  of  the 
Royal  Marines,  with  a  detachment  of  Royai  Artille- 
ry and  two  field  prcces,  a  detachment  of  a  Rocket 
company,  with  a  few  Sappers  and  Miners,  set  sail  from 
Kingston  on  the  fourth  of  May,  and  at  noon  on  tbe 
following  day,  mad«  the  port  of  Oswego,  when  a  bea- 


180 


iOMimiSTRATtON   OF 


[1814 


vy  gale  from  the  North  West  sprung  up,  and  obliged 
tiie  squadron  to  gain  the  offing.  On  the  morning  of 
the  sixth,  a  landing  was  effected  by  about  o.ie  hundred 
and  forty  of  the  troops  under  Lieut.  Col.  Fischer ;  and 
two  hundred  seamen,  armed  with  pikes,  under  the 
command  of  Captain  Mulcaster,  R.  N.  in  front  of  a 
heavy  discharge  of  round  and  grape  from  the  battery, 
and  of  musketry  from  a  detachment  of  about  three 
hundred  men  of  the  American  army,  posted  on  the 
brow  of  the  bill,  and  in  the  skirts  of  the  neiglibouring 
wood.  The  British,  on  landing,  pressed  up  the  hill  to- 
wards the  enemy's  battery,  which  the  Americans  (up- 
on finding  the  British  determined  to  carry  it  by  storm) 
relinquished,  leaving  about  sixty  men,  principally 
wounded. 

The  Land  and  Naval  commanders  having  taken  pos- 
session of  the  stores  found  in  the  Fort  and  in  its  neigh- 
bourhood, and  having  dismantled  the  fortifications, 
and  destroyed  the  barracks,  re-embarked  on  the  se- 
venth of  May,  and  returned  to  Kingston. 

The  loss  of  the  British  troops  amounted  to  one  cap- 
tain (Holtaway  of  the  Marines)  and  eighteen  men  kil- 
led, and  two  Officers  and  sixty  men  wounded.  That 
of  the  Navy  amounted  to  three  men  killed,  and  four 
Officers  and  seven  men  wounded.  Captain  Mulcaster, 
while  entering  the  Fort  at  the  head  of  his  men,  receiv- 
ed a  very  severe  and  dangerous  wound.  Captain 
Popham  was  also  severely  wounded.  Although  tlie 
service  derived  much  benefit  from  this  Expedition,  the 
main  object  in  contemplation  was  not  accomplish- 
ed, the  principal  part  of  the  Naval  jstores  being  .slaved 


[1814 

obliged 
riling  of 
liundred 
er;  and 
ider  the 
)nt  of  a 
battery, 
it  three 
1  on  the 
ibouring 
e  hill  to- 
aiis  (up- 
y  storm) 
ncipally 


ken  pos- 
ts neigh- 
icatious, 
the  se- 


one  cap^ 
men  kil- 
I.  That 
and  four 
ulcaster, 
I,  receiv- 
Captain 
3ugh  tlie 
tion,  the 
omplish- 
iig  smed 


1814] 


SIR   GEORGE   PREVOST. 


181 


by»the  enemy,  who  had  taken  the  precaution  of  deposit- 
ing them  at  the  Falls,  some  miles  from  Oswego,  up  the 
river. 

* 

The  flotilla  at  the  Isle-aux-Noix,  under  the  com- 
mand of  Captain  Pring,  proceeded  up  the  Lake  Cham- 
plain,  on  the  ninth  of  May  with  a  detachment  of  Ma- 
rines, for  the  purpose  of  capturing  or  destroying  the 
new  vessels  recently  launched  at  Vergennes,  or  of  in- 
tercepting the  stores  and  supplies  intended  for  their 
armament  and  equipment.  On  the  14th,  Captain 
Pring  reached  his  destination  at  Otter  Creek,  but  find- 
ing the  enemy  prepared  for  his  reception,  he  judged 
it  expedient  to  abandon  his  intended  plan  of  attack, 
and  returned  to  the  Isle-aux-Noix. 

The  British  squadron  having  for  the  present  a  decid- 
ed ascendency  on  Lake  Ontario,  blockaded  Sacket's 
Harbour,  in  order  to  intercept  the  supplies  which 
might,  from  time  to  time,  be  forwarded  from  Oswego, 
for  the  equipment  of  the  American  fleet.  On  the 
morning  of  the  29th  of  May,  a  boat  laden  with  two  24 
pounders  and  a  large  cable  for  one  of  the  American 
sh'ips  of  war,  was  captured  on  the  way  to  Sacket's 
Harbour  from  Oswego,  from  whence  it  had  sailed  in 
company  with  fifteen  other  boats  loaded  with  naval 
and  military  stores.  This  intelligence  induced  the 
Naval  Conynander  to  dispatch  Captains  Popham  and 
Spilsburj^,  with  two  gun-boats  and  five  barges,  in 
quest  of  the  enemy's  boats,  which,  these  officers  ascer- 
tained to  have  taken  shelter  in  Sandy  Creek,  whither 
they  proceeded  with  the  resolution  of  capturing  or 
destroying  them  if  the  attempt  should  be  found  practi- 


182 


ADMINISTRATION  OP 


[1814 


cable.    On  the  morning  of  t|ie  31st  of  May,  the  bsats 
from  the  British  squadron  entered  the  Creek,  anS  Cap- 
tains  Pophara    and   Spilsbury,   having  reconnoitred 
the  enemy's  position,  determined  on  an  immediate  at- 
tack, which  although  aware  of  the  hazard  of  the  enter- 
prise they  determined  to  risk,  as  the  stores  in  posses- 
sion of  the  enemy  were  of  tlie  utmost  importance  to  the 
armament   of  their   squadron.     The  boats  advanced 
cautiously  up  the  Creek  to  within  half  a  mile  of  the 
enemy,  when  parties  were  landed  on  either  bank,  who 
advanced  on  the  flanks  of  the  gun-boats,  to  a  turning 
which  opened  the  enemy's  boats  full  to  their  view.    It 
was  at  this  juncture,  when,  by  some  accident,  a  sixty- 
eight  pounder  carronade  in  the  bow  of  the  foremost 
gun-boat  being  disabled,  it  became  necessary  to  puU 
her  round  to  bring  the  24  pounder  in  her  stern  to  bear 
upon  the  enemy.   The  Americans  mistaking  this  move- 
jiient  for  the  commencement  of  a  retreat  advanced  with 
their  whole  force,  consisting  of  one  hundred  and  fifty 
riflemen,  near  two  hundred  Indians,  and  a  strong  body 
of  militia  and  cavalry;  who  after  a  shoit  though  des- 
perate contest,  from  which  it  was  impossible  to  efiect  a 
•etreat,  overpowered  the  British  party,  consisting  of 
about  two  hundred  men,  of  which,  it  is  said,  eighteen 
were  killed  and  fifty  wounded.     Captain  Popham  in 
his  ofiicial  despatch  to  Sir  James  L.  Yeo,  on  this  afiair, 
acknowledged  with  the  warmest  gratitude,  the  humane 
exertions  of  the  American  Officers  of  the  Rifle  Corps 
commanded  by  Major  Appling,  in   saving  the  lives  of 
many   of  the  ofiicers  and   men,  whom  the  Americaa 
soldiers  and  fndians  were  devoting  to  slaughter. 

The  American   forces  concentrated   at  Buflfaloe, 


1814] 

Invasioi 
Upper  Cai 
da. 

ation  oi 

Ontario. 

per-Can 

enemy  c 

landings 

sitrong  bi 

two  poii 

each  ab( 

the  comr 

Officer  h 

of  defen( 

venty  m( 

of  causir 

than  for 

siege,  w|] 

been  imp 

of  time  a 

my,  but 

been  of  i 

ral  Riall 

The  able 

ces  under 

direction 

ticipated 

ced,  were 

gi'ess  of  th 

to  have  a 

disperse  t 

Capture  c 
Fort  Erie. 


[1814 

le  b*ats 
im  Cap- 
nnoitred 
iiate  at- 
le  enter- 
i  posses- 
ce  to  the 
dvanced 
e  of  the 
ink,  who 
L  turning 
^iew.    It 
a  sixty- 
foremoBt 
^  to  puU 
1  to  bear 
lis  move- 
ced  with 
and  fifty 
ng  body 
ugh  des- 
o  effect  a 
sisting  of 
eighteen 
)pham  in 
his  affair, 
J  humane 
fle  Corps 
e  lives  of 
\mericaa 
hter. 

Buffaloe, 


1814] 


SIR  6L0RGE  PREVOST. 


^3 


Invasion  of  ^Jack  Rock  and  other  places  pn  the  Nia- 
Upper  cana-    gara  frontier,  under  the  comnmnd  of  Ma- 
jor  General  Brown,  in  momentary  expect- 
ation  of  the  co-operation   of  the  squadron  on  Lake 
Ontario,  were  ready  at  the  end  of  June  to  invade  Up-, 
per-Canada.     On  the  morning  of  the  third  of  July  the 
enemy  embarked  in  boats  and  batteaux  and  effected  a 
and.ng  on  the  Canada  side  without  opposition,  with  two 
trong  brigades  under  Brigadiers  Scch  and  Ripley,  at 
two  points  on  the  shore  above  and  below  Fo/t  Erie 
each  about  a  mile  distant  from  that  post,  th.n  under 
he  commandWMaj.  Buck  of  the  8th  Regiment. T^^It 
Officer  had  been  active  in  putting  Fort  Erfe  into  a  sta^e 
of  defence,  and  with  a  small  detachment  of  about  se- 
venty  men  was  left  in  charge  of  it,  more  with  a  view 
thanT"!?  '  *^^P^^'^'>'  ^I^-^k    to  an   invading  force 
Se  wh  oh  '"'"'  ''  clefendingit  against  a  regular 

been  i^n  m''  "''  "'*'"^'^'  '*  ^'^"'^  indeed  have 
been,niposs,bleto  maintain  Fort  Erie  for  any  length 
of  time  against  the  overwhelming  strength  of  the  ene- 

bee'n  of  ""  7-T""  ^^  '"'"  ^  ^'^  ^•^"^^  "^^^^^^  have 
vTmlTT''^  consequence  and  have  enabfe  Gene- 
The  A     ';^^^?/^P^"-^  the  invasion  at  the  outset. 
The  able  dispositions  which  had  been  made  of  the  for- 
ces  under  that  Officer,  along  the  Niagara  line  by  the 
direction  of  Lieut.  General  Drummond,  who  had  an! 
icipated  an  invasion    at  the  point  where  it  commen- 
c  d,  were  such,  that  the  least  impediment  to  the  pro- 
gi  ess  ofthemvaders  would  have  enabled  General  Riall 
to  have  concentrated  his  troops,  and  to  fall  upon  and 
disperse  the  enemy  before  they  could  have  time  to  be 
Fort'Erie.  °^  ^''^P^'*^^  ^o**  '^"  effectual  resistance.     Un< 


1DMINI3TRATI0N  Of 


[1814 


184 

rcciettcd,  that  Tort  Erie  was  tamely  surrendwed 
to  the  enemy  without  firing  a  shot  or  making  even 
1   show    of   resistance.      The   American,    after   the 
acquisition   of  this   important   post    advanced    wUh 
confidence    in    the    afternoon   of  the   ensuing    day 
to  the  Plains   adjacent  to  Chippawa,  and  were  mak- 
■  i„r   preparations   to  carry  that  post,  when  General 
RU.li:  to   anticipate    their    design,    havmg  collect- 
ed his  forces,  marched   on  the  evening  of  the  fifth 
from  his  lines  and  gave  them  battle.     The  enemy  had 
,     much   advantage  in  numbers  and  fought 
fh!n«w,";'or  with  determined  bravery.    His  right  rest- 
streets  creek  ^j  J,,,  so,„(.  buildings  and  orchards  on  the 
brink  of  the  Niagara,  and  was  strongly  supported  by 
artillery.     His  left  was  skirted  by  a  wood  with  a  con- 
siderable body  of  Indians  and  Riflemen  in  front.  The 
Militia  and  Indians  engaged  the  enemy's  riflemen, «  ho 
at  first  checked  their  advance,  but  being  ^"PP^Ij'ed  by 
the  arrival' of  the  light  troops  consisting  of  the  light 
tmP.es  of  the  Royal  Scots  aiul  100th  Regimen  , 
with  the  2d  Lincoln  militia,  under  Lieut.  Colonel  Pear 
,on  they  were  dislodged  after  a  very -sharp  contest. 
Two  light  twe„ty-t.,ur  pounders  and  a  howi.xer  were 
broughfinto  action  against  the  enemy's  "St-*.  ^^Kh 
was  also  engaged  by  the  K.ng's  Regiment,  while  the 
RovaY  Scot?  and   lOO.h  Regiment,  after  deploying 
with  the  utmost  steadiness,  opened  a  heavy  fire  upou 
II  left  and  advanced  to  the  charge,  with  the  »os   ,«. 
trepid  gallantry,  under  a  destructive  fire.    In  this  a 
iempt  they  suff'ered  so  severely  that  it  was  found  nece  - 
sary  toMthdraw  thftn  and  desist  from  a  contest,  winch 
from   the   great  superiority  of  the  enemy's  numlxrs, 
^™"  ha^e  beea  -..availing.    General  Riall  accorduig- 


%Jta^ — 


1814] 

\y  Idl  I 
vent  tl 
by  a  fo 
inforcei 
gara  a 
tJreek, 
for  a  vi 
to  that 
ever  ra 
currenci 
their  a 
army,  f 
biy  to  1 
Niagarj 
(who  wj 
tish  lost 
men  kill 
Colonel 
hundred 
cer  and 
loss  at  s 
hundred 
ing. 

The  < 
along  th 
whence 
and  Mis 
who  hac 
alert,  ai 
desisted 

Gener 


[1814 

endeted 
g  even 
ter   the 
d    with 
ng    day 
re  mak- 
General 
coUect- 
the  filth 
?my  had 
d  fought 
^ht  rest- 
ds  on  the 
orted  by 
th  a  con- 
ont.  The 
nen,  who, 
lorted  by 
the  light 
legiment, 
nel  Pear- 
p  contest, 
itzer  were 
ht,  which 
while  the 
deploying 
fire  upon 
e  niost  in- 
In  this  at- 
iind  neces- 
test,  which 
5  numbers, 
according- 


1814]  SIB  GEORGE  FREVOST.  185 

Jy  Ic'Jl  back  upon  Chippawa  in  the  evening,  and  to  pre- 
vent the  enemy  from  occupying  Burlington  Heights 
by  a  forced  march  (as  he  intended)  he  tln-ew  such  re- 
inforcements as  he  coald  spare  into  Forts  George,  Nia- 
gara  and   Mississaga,    and    retirfed    to  Twenly-Mile 
Creek,  on  the  route  to  Burlington,  where  he  prepared 
for  a  vigorous  stan     against  tlie  progress  of  the  enemy 
to  that  post.     The  American  scjuadron  was  not  how- 
ever ready  to  appear  upon  the  Lake  during  these  oc- 
currences;   a   circumstance    peculiarly   fortunate    as 
their   appearance    would  have  so  emboldened   their 
army,  far  superior  in  numbers  to  the  British,  as  proba- 
bly to  have  led  to  the  reduction  of  Forts  George  and 
Niagara.     The  militia  under  Lieut.  Colonel  Dickson, 
(who  was  wounded)  behaved  with  gallantry.  The  Bri- 
tish lost  six  Officers  and  one  hundred   and  forty-two 
men  killed,  and  twenty-six  Officers  (among  them  Lieut. 
Colonel  the  Marquis  of  Tweedle,  severely)   and  two 
hundred  and  ninety^fiye  men  wounded,  and  one  Offi- 
cer and  forty-five  men  piissing.    The  enemy  state  their 
loss  at  seventy  men  killed,  and  nine  Officers  and  two 
hundred  and  forty  men  wounded,  and  nineteen  mis- 
ing. 

The  enemy  after  this  affair,  gradually  advanced 
along  the  Niagara,  and  occupied  Queenstown,  from 
whence  he  made  demonstrations  upon  Forts  George 
and  Mississaga,  but  finding  Lieut.  Colonel  Tucker, 
who  had  been  left  in  comma  d  of  those  posts,  on  the 
alert,  and  determined  to  make  a  resolute  delence  he 
desisted  from  further  attempts  to  carry  them. 

General  Brown  finding  a  stouter  resistance  than  he 


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ADMINISTRATION   OT 


[1814 


expected,  fell  back  upon  Queenstown,*  from  whence  on 
the  25lh  of  July,  he  retreated  with  his  whole  force  up- 
on Qhippawa,  having  previously  set  fire  to  the  village 
pf  Saint  David's.  General  Rial!  immediately  put  his 
advance  in  motion,  and  was  moving  on  to  support  the 
advance  of  his  division,  when  the  enemy  wheeled 
about  with  a  view  of  overpowering  his  forces  before 
they  could  be  assisted  by  the  reinforcements  which 
were  expected  to  join  them.  General  Drummond,  with 
liieut.  Colonel  Harvey,  had  that  morning  arrived  at 
Fort  George,  from  York.  The  proceedings  whicli 
immediately  succeeded  his  arrival  cannot  be  more 
concisely  and  clearly  explained  than  in  his  own  official 
despatch,  after  the  battle  of  Lundy's  Lane,  which  is 
quoted  as  the  best  relation  .to  be  found,  of  that  hard 
fought  action« 

Battle   of      *1  embarked   on  board  His  Majesty's 
Xundy'sLane  «  schooner  Netley,  at  York,  on  Sunday 

*  evening  the  24th  instant,  and  reached  Niagara  at 

*  day-break  the  following  morning.  Finding  from  Lt. 
•Colonel  Tucker  that  Major  General  Riall  was  un- 

*  derstood  to  be  moving  towards  the  falls  of  Niagara 

*  to  support  the  advance  of  his  division,  which  he  had 

*  pushed  on 'to  that  place  on  the  preceding  evening,  I 

*  ordered  liieut.  Colonel  Morrison,  with  the  89th  regt. 
**  and  a  detachment  of  the  Royals  and  King's,  drawn 

*  This  it  would  seem  however,  was  contrary  to  the  orders  and  in- 
struction of  the  General  Commanding,  who  in  general  orders,  express- 
ed his  displeasure  at  the  circumstance,  and  desired  Lieut.  Col.  Stone, 
Commanding  at  that  village,  to  retire  from  the  army  in  consequence 
of  his  conduct.  This  officer  was  afterwards  dismissed  the  service  l.^ 
account  of  this  business,  without  a  hearing. — The  village  at  Long 
jp;oiot}  was  also  reduced  to  oahes  by  theso  inceadiaries. 


[1814 

hence  on 
brce  up- 
e  village 
y  put  his 
)port  the 
wheeled 
s  before 
ts  which 
)nd,  with 
'rived  at 
js  whicli 
be  more 
n  offiiial 
which  is 
hat  hard 


MTajesty's 

Sunday 

agara  at 

from  Lt. 

was  un- 

Niagara 

h  he  had 

irening,  I 

JQthregt. 

's,  drawn 

lers  and  in- 
irs,  express- 
Col.  Stone, 
onsequencc 
5  service  i:.* 
e  at  Long 


1814] 


SIR  GEORGE  PREVOST. 


18t 


from  Forts  George  and  Mississaga,  to  proceed  to  the 
same  point,  in  order  that,  with  the  united  force,  I 
might  act  against  the  enemy  (posted  at  Street's  Creek, 
with  his  advance  at  Chippawa)  on  my  arrival,  if  it 
should  be  found  expedient.  I  ordered  Lieut.  Colonel 
Tucker,  at  the  same  time,  to  proceed :  on  the  right 
bank  of  the  river,  with  three  hundred  of  the  41  st,  and 
about  two  hundred  of  the  Royal  Scots,  and  a  body 
of  Indian  Warriors,  supported  (on  the  river)  by  a 
party  of  armed  seamen,  under  Captain  Dobbs,  Royal 
Navy.  The  object  of  this  movement  wa^to  disperse 
or  capture  a  body  of  the  enemy  which  was  encamp- 
ed at  Lewistown.  Some  unavoidable  delay  having 
occurred  in  the  march  of  the  troops  up  the  right  bank, 
the  enemy  had  moved  oiT  previous  to  Lieut.  Colonel 
Tucker's  arrivaL.  I  have  to  express  myself  satisfied 
with  the  exertions,  of  that  officer*. 


*  Having  refreshed  the  troops  at  Queenstown,  and 

*  having  brought  across  the  41st,  Royals  and  Indians, 

*  I  sent  back  the  41st  and  100th  regiments  to  form  the 

*  garrisons  of;  the  Forts  George,  Mississaga,  and  Ni- 

*  agara,  under  Lieut.  Colonel  Tucker,  and  moved,  with 

*  the  89th,  and  detachments  of  the  Royals  and  King's, 

*  and  light  company  of  the  41st,  in  all  about  800  men, 

*  to  join  Major  General  Riall's  division  at  the  Falls. 

^  When  arrived  within  a  (ew  miles  of  that  position, 

*  I  met  a  report  from  Major  General  Riall,  that  the 

*  enemy  was  advancing  in  great  force.     I  immediate- 

*  ly  pushed  on,  and  joined  the  head  of  Lieut.  Colonel 

*  Morrison's  column,  just  as  it  reached  the  road  leading 

*  towards  the  Beaver  Dam  over  the  summit  of  the  hill 


APMINISTRATIOK  OF  [1814 

I  at  Lund/s  Lane.    Instead  of  the  whole  of  Major 
I  Qeneral  WaWs  division,  which  1  expected  to  have 

*  found  occupying' this  position,!  found  it  almostwthe 

*  occupation  of  the  enemy,  whose  columns  were  within 

*  600  yards  of  the  top  of  the  hill,  and  the  surrounding 

*  woods  filled  with  his  light  troops.    The  advance  of 

*  Major  General  Riall's   division,    consisting   of  the 
«  Glengary  Light  Infantry,  and  Incorporated  Militia, 

*  having  commenced  their  retreat  upon  Fort  George, 

*  I  countermanded  these  corps,  and  formed  the  89th 

*  Regiment  and  the  Royal  Scots  detachments,  and 

*  41st  light  companies,  in  the  rear  of  the  hill,  tlieir  left 

*  resting  on  the  great  road;  my  two  twenty-four  pound- 

*  er  brass  field  guns  a  little  advanced  in  front  of  the 

*  centre  on  the  summit  of  the  hill;  the  Glengary  Light 

*  Infantry  on  the  right,  the  battalion  of  Incorporated 

*  Militia,  and  the  detachment  of  the  King's  Regiment 

*  on  the  left  of  the  great  road ;  the  squadron,  19th  Light 

*  Dragoons  in  the  rear  oft  he  left,  on  the  road.    I  had 

*  scarcely  completed  ihh  formation,  when  the  whole 

*  front  wag  warmly  and  closely  engaged.     The  ene- 
'  my's  principal  efforts  were  directed  against  our  left 

*  and  centre.     After  repeated   attacks,  the  troops  on 

*  the  left  were  partially  forced  back,  and  the  enemy 

*  gained  a  momentary  possession  of  the  road.     This 

*  gave  him,  however,  no  material  advantage,  as  the 
'  troops  which  had  been  forced  back  formed  in  the  rear 

*  of  the  89th  regiment,  fronting  the  road,  and  securing 

*  the  flank.     It  was  during  this  short  interval  that 
'  Major  General  Riall,  having  received  a  severe  wound, 

*  was  intercepted  as  he  was  passii.g  to  the  rear,  by  a 
'  party  of  the  enemy's  cavalry,  and   made  prisoner. 

*  In  the  centre,  the  repeated  and  determined  attacks 


181^ 

'of 
*det 

*  cor 
'  stej 

*  con 

*  terr 

*  our 
'the 

*  the 
*ofo 

*  trao 

*  inci( 
*edl 

*  utes 

*  only 

*  poui 

*  the  < 

*  geth 

*  our  I 

*  ders 

*  one  < 

*  whici 

*  ihou{ 

*  taine 

'Ah 
*ed  at 

*  durin 
'  in  bri 
'he  sh< 

*  troop: 

*  lantrj 
'of  Ml 


[1814 

>f  Major 
to  llave 
>stift>the 
PC  within 
'ounding 
vahce  of 
of  the 
I  Militia, 
George, 
the  89th 
nts,  and 
Iieir  left 
p  pound- 
It  of  the 
y  Light 
•porated 
egiment 
th  Light 
I  had 
le  whole 
'he  ene- 
our  left 
oops  on 
enemy 
.    This 
f  as  the 
the  rear 
ecu  ring 
al  that 
wound, 
r,  by  a 
risoner. 
attacks 


1814] 


SIR  GEORGE  PREVOST. 


189 


of  the  enemy  were  met  by  the  89th  Regiment,  the 
detachment  of  the  Royals  and  King's,  and  the  light 
company  of  the  4l8t  regiment,  with  the  most  perfect 
steadiness  and  intrepid  gallantry,  and  the  enemy  was 
constantly  repulsed  with  very  heavy  loss.     In  so  de- 
termined a  manner  were  these  attacks  directed  against 
our  guns,  that  our  artillery-men  were  bayoneted  by 
be  enemy  in  the  act  of  loading,  and  the  muzzles  of 
the  enemy  s  guns  were  advanced  within  a  few  yards 
ol  ours.     The  darkness  of  the  night,  during  this  ex- 
traordinary  conflict,  occasioned    several  uncommon 
incidents :  our  troops  having  for  a  moment  been  push^ 
ed  back,  some  of  our  guns  remained  for  a  few  min- 
utes m  the  enemy's  hands ;  they  were    however,  not 
only  quickly  recovered,  but  the  two  pieces,   a  six 
pounder  and  a  five  and  a  half  inch  howitzer,  which 
the  enemy  had  brought  up,  were  captured  by  us,  to- 
gether  with  several  tumbrils;  and  in  limbering  up 
our  guns  at  one  period,  one  of  the  enemy's  six  poun- 
ders was  put,  by  mistake,  upon  a  limber  of  our's,  and 
one  of  our  six  pounders  limbered  on  one  of  his:  bv 
which^means  the  pieces  were  exchanged ;  and  thu.^ 
though  we  captured  fwo  of  his  guns,  yet,  as  he  obi 
tamed  one  of  our's,  we  have  gained  only  one  gun. 

^    'About  nine  o'clock  (the  action  having  commeuc- 
ed  at  six)  there  was  a  short  intermission  of  firing 

^  during  which  it  appears  the  enemy  was  employed 

^  m  bringing  up  the  whole  of  his  remaining  force,  and 
he  shortly  afterwards  renewed  his  attack  with  fresh 

^  troops,  but  was  every  where  repulsed  with  equal  iral- 
lantry  and  success.    About  this  period  the  remainda-^^ 
of  Major  General  Riall's  division,  which  had  been 

16^ 


( 

t 
t 

t 
( 

I 

t 
't 

< 
t- 
t 

t 

t. 


ido 


ADMINISTRATION   OF 


[1814 


f 

( 

I 

« 

I 

( 

i 

t 

i 

t 

( 

( 

t 

( 

t 

( 

( 

c 

t 

« 
c 
t 

4 


ordered  to  retire  on  the  advance  of  the  enemy,  con- 
sisting of  the  103d  Regiment,  under  Colonel  Scott : 
the  head-quarter  division  of  the  Royal  Scots ;  the 
head-quarter  division  of  the  8th  (or  King's :)  flank 
companies  104th;  some  detachments  of  militia,  un- 
der Lieut.  Colonel  Hamilton,  Inspecting  Field-Ofli- 
cer,  joined  the  troops  engaged;  and  I  placed  thena 
ia  a  second  line,  with  the  exception  of  the  Royal 
Scots,  and  flank  companies  104th,  with  which  I  pro- 
longed my  front  line  on  the  right,  where  I  was  appre- 
hensive of  the  enemy's  out-flanking  me.  The  ene- 
my's eflorts  to  carry  the  hill  were  continued  until 
about  midiiight,wheahe  had  sufiered  so  severely  from 
the  superior  steadiness  and  discipline  of  his  Majesty's^ 
troops,  that  he  gave  up  the  contest,  and  retreated 
with  great  precipitation  to  his  camp  beyond  the  Chip- 
pawa.  Oa  the  following  day  he  abandoned  his 
camp,  threw  the  greatest  part  of  his  baggage,  camp- 
equipage,  and  provisions  into  the  Rapids ;  and  hav- 
ing set  fire  to  Street's  Mills  and  destroyed  the  bridge 
at  Chippawa,  continued,  his  retreat  in  great  disorder 
towards  Fort  Erie.  My  light  troops,  cavalry,  and 
Indians,  are  detached  in  pursuit,  and  to  harrass  his 
retreat,  which  1  doubt  not  he  will,  continue  until  he 
reaches  his  own  shore. 


'  The  loss  sustained  by  the  enemy  in  this  severe  ac- 
'  tion  cannot  be  estimated  at  less  than  fifteen  hundred 

*  men,  iacluding  several  hundreds  of  prisoners  left  in 
*^  our  hands;  his  two  commanding  Generals,  Brown 

*  and  Scott,  are  said  to  be  wounded ;  his  whole  force, 
5  which  has  never  been  rated  at  less  than  five  thous- 

*  attd,  hsiving  ]}€€n  engaged,    3Encbs«d,  I  have  th« 


[1814 

ly,  cpn- 
I  Scott : 
)ts;  the 
:)  flank 
tia,  un- 
jld-Offi- 
d  them 
3  Royal 
b  I  pro- 
s  appre- 
he  e ne- 
ed until 
Dly  from 
[ajesty's^ 
etreated 
le  Chip- 
ned  hig 
2,  camp- 
nd  hav- 
B  bridge 
disorder 
ry,  and 
rass  his 
until  he 


ivere  ac- 
hundred 
*s  left  in 
I,  Brown 
le  force, 
,^e  thous- 
have  th« 


1814] 


SIR    GEORGE    PREVOST. 


m 


*  honour  to  transmit  a  return   of  our  loss,   which  has 

*  been  very  considerable.     T^  •  number  of  troops  un- 

*  der  my  command,  did  not  for  the  first  three  hours,  ex- 

*  ceed  sixteen  hundred  men ;  the  addition  of  the  troops 
»  under  Colonel  Scott  "did  not  increase  it  to  more  than 

*  two  thousand  eight  hundred  of  every  description.? 

In  this  action  Major  Gen.  Riall  having  been  severed 
ly  wounded,  was,  while  retiring,  intercepted,  and  made 
prisoner  by  a  party  of  the  enemy's  cavalry,  who  had 
obtamed  a  momentary  possession  of  the  road  on  the 
left  of,  the  British  Une,  by  which  the  General  was  re- 
tiring. 

Genera!  Drummond  received  a  severe  wound  in  his 
neck,  from  a  musket  ball.    He  however,  concealed  the 
circumstance  from  the  troops,  and  remained  on  the 
ground,  cheering  on  his  men  until  the  close  of  the  ac* 
tion.    Lieut.  Colonel  Morrison  of  the  89th  Regiment 
Lieut.  Colonel  Pearson,  Capt.  Robinson,  of  the  King's 
Regiment,  (commanding  the  militia)  with  several  other 
officers  of  merit  were  severely  wounded.    The  bravery 
of  the  Militia  on  this  occasion,  could  not  have  been  ex^. 
celled  by  the  most  resolute  Veterans.     General  Drum- 
mond, and  other  Officers  of  rank,  have  been  known 
to  express  their  astonishment  and   admiration,  at  the 
determined  resistance  which  they  for  some  time  main- 
tained, against  the  overwhelming  force  of  the  enemy 
Nothing  could  have  been  more  awful  and  impressive 
than  this  mid-night  contest.    The  desperate  charges  of 
the  enemy  were  succeeded  by  a  dead  silence,  inter- 
rupted only  by  the  groans  of  the  dying,  and  the  dull 
sounds  of  (he  stupendous  Falls  of  J^^iagara,  while  the 


W2 


ADMINISTRATION   OF 


[1814 


adverse  lines  were  now  and  then  dimly  discerned 
through  the  moonlight,  by  the  dismal  gleam  of  their 
arma.  These  anxious  pauses  were  succeeded  by  a 
blaze  of  musketry  along  the  lines  and  by  a  repetition 
of  the  most  desperate  charges  from  the  enemy,  which 
the  British  received  with  the  most  unshaken  firmness. 
The  American  loss,  by  their  own  statement,  amounted 
to  one  hundred  and  sixty  rank  and  file  killed,  including 
twelve  officers ;  and  five  hundred  and  seventeen  wound- 
ed, including  fifty  officers,  and  among  them  Generals 
Brown  and  Scott.  The  command  of  the  American 
forces  in  the  absence  of  Generals  Brown  and  Scott, 
who  retired  for  the  recovery  of  their  wounds,  devolv- 
ed upon  General  Ripley  :  the  enemy  retreated  on  the 
27th,  with  his  whole  force  to  Fort  Erie,  and  threw  up 
intrenchraents  in  the  neighbourhood  of  that  Fort  to 
secure  himself  against  the  British,  who  immediately  in- 
vested their  works  :  General  Gaines,  in  the  mean  time, 
proceeded  from  Sacket's  Harbour,  and  assumed  the 
command  at  Fort  Erie. 

On  the  1st  of  August  the  American  fleet  sailed  from 
Sacket*s  Harbour,  and  after  looking  into  Kingston, 
sailed  for  the  head  of  the  Lake;  fronl  whence  he  soon 
returned  to  port,  upon  finding  the  army  far  from  be- 
ing in  a  state  to  co-operate,  cooped  up  at  Erie,  and  in- 
capable of  holding  any  direct  communication  'wjith  the 
naval  force  on  Lake  Ontario. 

The   successful  result  of  an  enterprise  by  Captain 

Assauitiipon  Dobbs,  of  the  Royal  Navy,  in  capturing  in 

Fort  Erie.       the  night  of  the  12th  of  August,  with  his 

gig  and  some  batteaux,  (conveyed  over  land  from  the^ 


1814] 

Niagai 

Ohio  a 

pose   < 

mounti 

ty-five 

niond, 

determ 

He  ace 

the  thir 

materia 

he  mac 

Three  « 

in  move 

lonel  Fi 

of  the  £ 

compan 

detachn 

Drumm< 

flank  CO 

a  body 

(R.  N.) 

Regimei 

by  two  < 

columns 

onemy's 

the  two  < 

right  of 

umn  had 

day-Iighl 

gained  pi 

umn  of  i 

tangled  t 

and  were 


[1814 

scerned 
of  their 
d  by  a 
petition 
',  which 
irmness. 
nount«d 
eluding 
wound- 
lenerals 
merican 
a  Scott, 
devolv- 
I  on  the 
irew  up 
Fort  to 
itely  in- 
sin  time, 
ned  the 


led  from 
ingston, 
he  soon 
i:oni  be- 
,  and  in- 
wiXh  the 


Captain 
uring  in 
with  his 
rom  the^ 


1814] 


sin  GEORGE  PBEVOST. 


193 


Niagara  r.ver,)   two  of  the  enemy's  schooners,  the 
Uhio  and  Somers,  lying  close  to  Fort  Erie,  for  the  pur- 
pose   of  flanking   the  approaches  to  the  Fort,  eaclj 
mounting  three  long  twelves,  with  complements  of  thir- 
ty-fave  men,  gave  spirit  to  the  army.     General  Drum- 
niond,  after  having  reconnoitred  the  enemy's  position, 
determined  to   storm   the   American   entrenchments. 
He  accordingly  opened  a  battery  on  the  morning  of. 
the  thirteenth,  and  on  the  ensuing  day,  finding  tl»at  a 
material  eflect  had  been  produced  upon  their  works, 
he  made  the  necessary  preparations  for  an  assault. 
Three  columns  were  in  the  night  of  the  fourteenth  put 
m  movement :  one  under  the  command  of  Lieut.  Co- 
lonel Fischer  of  De  Watteville's  Regiment,  cor,     ting 
of  the  8th  and  De  Watteville's  Regiments,  the  flank 
companies  of  the  89th  and  100th  Regiments,  with  a 
detachment  of  artillery.  Another  under  Lieut.  Colonel 
Drummond,  of  the  104th  Regiment,  consisting  of  the 
ftank  companies  of  the  41st  and  104th  Regiments,  and 
a  body  of  seamen  and  marines,  under  capt.  Dobb's, 
(R.N.)  and  the  third  under  Colonel  Scott  of  the  103d 
Regiment,  consisting  of  his  own  Regiment,  supported 
by  two  companies  of  the  Royals.     The  first  of  these 
columns  was  ordered  to  attack  and  turn  the  left  of  the 
onemy's  intrenchment  on  the  side  of  Snake  Hill,  while 
the  two  other  columns  were  to  attack  the  Fort  and  the 
right  of  their  intrenchments.    Colonel  Fischer's  col- 
umn had  gained  the  point  of  attack  two  hours  before 
day-light,  and  the  head  of  the  column   had  actually 
gained  possession  of  the  enemy's  batteries,  but  the  col- 
umn of  support  in  marching  too  near  the  Lake,  en- 
tangled themselves  between  the  rocks  and  the  water, 
and  were,  by  the  repulse  of  the  flank  companies  of 


■i 


194 


ADMINISTRATION   OF 


[1814 


the  King's  Regiment,  (which,  for  want  of  timely  sup- 
port werfr  compelleil  to  retire  upon  them,)  thrown  into 
utter  confusion,  and  suffered  most  severely  by  the  fire 
of  the  enemy.    The  two  other  columns  advanced  as 
soon  as  the  firing  upon  Lieut.  Colonel  Fischer'*  column 
was  heard,  and  at  tlie  same  moment  stormed  the  Fort 
and  intrenchments  on  tlie  right,  and  after  a  desperate 
resistance  succeeded  in  making  a  lodgment  in  the  Fort, 
through  the  embrasures  of  the  Demi-Bastion.    The 
enemy  took  to  a  stone  building  which  they  maintained 
with  determination  for  upwarjls  of  an  hour  and  a  half, 
against  the  guns  of  the  Demi-Bastion,  which  the  Bri- 
tish had  turned  against  them,  until  some  ammunition 
under  the  platform  on  which  the  guns  were  placed, 
taking  fire  (whether  accidentally  or  by  design,  is  not 
well  understood)  a  most  tremendous  explosion  ensued, 
by  which,  almost  all  the  troops  who  had  entered  the 
Fort,  were  dreadfully  mangled.     An  immediate  panic 
was  communicated  among  the  troops  who  could  neither 
be  rallied  by  the  surviving  officers,  nor  be  persuaded 
that  the  explosion  was  accidental.    The  enemy  after 
having  repulsed  Lieut.  Col.  Fischer's  column  had  or- 
dered reinforcements  from  the  left  and  centre  of  their 
lines,  to  the  assistance  of  the  Fort,  who  taking  advan- 
tage of  the  darkness  and  confusion  of  the  moment, 
pressed  forward  with  a  heavy  and  destructive  fire,  and 
compelled  the  assailants  to  retire  from  the  works  they 
had  so  gallantly  carried. 

In  this  assault  the  loss  of  the  British  was  most  se- 
verely felt.  Colonels  Scott  and  Druramond,  fell,  while 
storming  the  works,  at  the  head  of  their  respective  col* 
umiu.    Four, Officers  and  fifty-four' men  were  returned 


1814^ 

as  kil 
and  ei 
ported 
men,  , 
killed, 
makes 

Gen 
ter  thii 
ments, 
howevi 
recent 
the  sm; 
to  hazj 
by  con 
tion  wi 
enemy 
dered  t 
the  can 

Mich 
enemy 
a  detac 
M'Doui 

tavvasag 
struggU 
which  a 
his  dest 
noes  lof 
of  the  g 

From 


[1814 

ely  sup- 
*own  into 
y  the  fire 
anced  as 
'S  column 
the  Fort 
desperate 
the  Fort, 
on.    The 
aiutained 
nd  a  half, 
1  the  Bri- 
imunition 
e  placed, 
ign,  is  not 
)n  ensued, 
itered  the 
late  panic 
lid  neither 
persuaded 
emy  after 
in  had  or* 
re  of  their 
ng  advan- 
B  moment, 
le  fire,  and 
vorks  they 


IS  most  se- 
,  fell,  while 
jective  col- 
re  returned 


1814] 


SIR  GEORGE  PREV08T. 


195 


as  kdled  and  twenty-four  Officers  and  two  hundred 
and  cghty-hve  men  wounded.  The  missing  were  re- 
per  ed  at  nine  Officers  and  five  hundred  Ld  thi'y 

killed.  The  American  statement  of  their  own  loss, 
i«akes  It  e.ghty.four  in  killed,  wounded  and  missing. 

General  Drummond  was  reinforced  a  day  or  two  af- 
ter  this  assault,  by  the  arrival  of  the  6th  and  82d  KetrU 
nients,  from  Lower-Canada.     This  reinforcement  was 
however  no  more  than  barely  sufficient  to  supplv  the 
recent  casualties,  and  General  Drunm.ond  did  not*  with 
he  small  force  under  his  command,  deem  it  expedient 
to  hazard  a  second  attempt  to  recover  Fort  Erie,  but 
by  continuing  its  investment  he  cut  off  all  communira- 
tion  with  the  adjacent  Country,  and  in  compellinK  the 
enemy  to  draw  his  resources  from  his  own  countryfren- 
dered  the  occupation  of  that  Post  /or  the  remainder  of 
the  campaign,  of  no  service  to  the  invaders. 

Michillimakinac,  contrary  to  the  expectation  of  the 
enemy  had,  early  in  the  Sprin^^,  been  reinforced  with 
a  detachment  of  troops  and  seamen,  under  Lieut.  (  ol. 
M  Douall.     This  Officer  proceeded  by  way  of  the  Not-    -        ,  , 
tawasaga  River,  and  after  having  for  several   days.?l<^| 
struggled  against  the  ice,  and  tempestuous  weather  0 
which  at  this  season  agitates  Lake  Huron,  arrived  at^^***' 
his  destination  on  the  )8th  of  May,  whb  his  open  ca- 
noes  loaded  with  Provisions  and  Stores  for  the  relief 
of  the  garrison. 

From  Michillimakinac,  Lieut.  Col.  M'Douall  dii- 


H)6 


Aaiini|i»TRi^ioii  09  vn 


[1814 


r.  ^  «  .r  patched  Lieut.  Col.  M'Kay  of  the  Indian 
rrttkte  4tt  Uepartment  at  the  cominwiceniem  oi  Jul>, 
^^'f,?'  with  a  force  of  six  hundred  *nd  fifty  men 

(pf  which   120  were  Michigan  Fencibles,  Canadian 
Voluntem-s  and  Officers  of  ^he  Indian  Department,  the 
retnaindtt,  ludiaos)  to  reduce  ,Uje  Post  of  rraim  du 
CMen  oiv  th€s  Mi^iMippi.    Lieut.  Col.  M'Kay  arrived 
at  tjliat  pla«eon  the  I7th  July.  Here  he  found  the  ene- 
^y  ia  occupation  of  i^  small  Fort  situated  on  a  height, 
withitwo  Qlock-Houses  mounting  six  pieces  of  cani^n, 
anUJn  tl|e  ipiddle  of  the  Mississippi  immediately  in 
fr^nt^oCth^  Fort,  alargegunrboat,  mounting  fourteen 
pieaes  of  ^mall  drtillery.    Lieut.  Col.  M'Kay  sent  a 
flagi  of  truce,  denmnding  an  immediate  surrender.— 
This  being  refused,  he  opened  a  iire  from  one  gun  up- 
on the  enemy's  gun-boat  with  such  effect  after  an  ac- 
tion of  three  hours,  as  to  compel  her  to  cut  her  cable 
and  run  down  the  stream,  where  she  took  shelter  under 
an  Island     In  the  evening  of  the  19th,  Lieut.  Colonel 
M'Kay  having  thrown  up  his  breast  works  at  the  dis- 
tance of  four  hundred  and  fifty  yards,  was  prepared  to 
open  a  cannonade  upon  the  enemy,  with  a  single  gun 
vvhich  he  had  mounted  for  the  purpose,  when  the  enemy 
hoisted  a  white  flag  and  sent  an  Officer  to  acquaint  the 
besiegers  of  their  surrender,  who  immediately  took 
possession  of  the  garrison.    The  enemy's  ftwce  con- 
sisted of  three  Officers  and  7 1  men.    The  reduction  of 
this  Post  which  was  effected  without  the  loss  of  a  tangle 
man,  was  of^heutmostimportance  to  the  British  Tra- 
dersand  effectually  secured  the  British  influence  over 
the  Indian  tribes  of  the  West.  -^ 

'  ,TJte  enemy  upon  ascert^uoing  that  Michillimakinac 


1814] 

had  hi 
was  pi 

!Expe< 
•flffiinst  ] 
ilTitnuck 
by  the  A 
leans. 

Compj 
duced 
joined 
dred  r 
Fort  o 
forenoi 
enced  ] 
M'Dou 
leaving 
Major  1 

Thou 
Michillii 
neigh  be 
for  the 
and  Sec 
of  the  3 
Septemj 
Worslej 
Bulger  < 
carried 
plementi 
iilimakii] 

Durini 
ral  Sir  J 
in  Nova- 


11814 

I  Indian 
of  July, 
ifty  men 
'anadiaii 
newt,  the 
rairie  du 
'  arrived 
the  ene- 
a  height, 
cani^n, 
lately,  in 
(burteen 
ly  sent  a 
ender. — 
gun  up- 
»r  an  ac- 
ler  cable 
ter  under 
.  Colonel 
I  the  dis- 
epared  to 
ingle  gun 
he  enemy 
[uatnt  the 
iely  took 
wee  con- 
luGtion  of 
fa  tangle 
itish  Tra- 
ence  over 


limakinac 


1814] 


8IB   GEORGE    PBEV08T. 


197 


had  been  reinforced,  fitted  out  an  Expedition  which 
was  put  under  the  command  of  Lieut.  Col.  Croghan-- 
F.xpeilition  A  detachment  of  this  force  under  the  com- 
riCackC'  jn/nd  of  Major  Holmes  proceeded  to  Saint 
bytheAmer-  Maries,  where,  after  plundering  the  whole 
«•«••    1^      '  of  the  stores  belonging  to  the  North  West 
Company,  he  wantonly  ordered  the  buildings  to  be  re- 
duced to  ashes.    The  main  body  after  it  had  been 
joined  by  this  detachment  consisted  of  about  nine  hun- 

Fort  of  MichiUimakinac  on  the  4th  of  August  in  the 
forenoon,  but  the  spirited  opposition  which  It  experi- 
enced  from  the  handful  of  men  under  Lieut.  Colonel 
M  Douall  was  such  as  to  compel  them  to  re-embark 

mT'uZT  '"^  '"'  ^'^ '''  ''""''^  ^"-^  ^'^- 

Though  the  enemy  had  failed  in  this  attempt  to  carry 
Michillimackinac.  they  kept  their  small  cruisers  in  the 
neighbourhood  so  as  to  intercept  all  supplies  destined 
for  the  garrison.     Two  of  these  vessels,  the  Tigress 
and  Scorpion  were  carried  (the  former  on  the  evening 
of  the  3d,  and  the  latter,  on  the  morning  of  the  5th  of 
Septemoer)  byasmall  party  of  Seamen  under  Lieut. 
Worsley,  (R.N.)and  a  party  of  Soldiers  under  Lieut 
Bulger  of  the  Royal  Newfoundland  Regiment.    Thev 
carried  each  a  long  24  pounder  on  a  Pivot,  with  com- 
plements  of  thirty-two  men.  After  their  capture,  Mich- 
lUimakiuac  was  left  unmolested.  ♦ 

# 

During  these  events  in  Upper  Canada,  Lieut.  Gene- 

al  Sir  John  Coape  Sherbrooke,  then  Lieut.  Governor 

in  Wova-Scot.a,  was  successfully  engaged  in  reducing 


4- 


ADMIIIISTIIATION   OS 


{1814 


«  very  populous  and  extensive  portion  of  the  enemy's 
"territories  adjacent  to  the  Province  of  xNew-Branswick. 
He  detaclied  ix  small  force  from  Halifax,  under  Lieut. 
Colonel  Pilkington  which,  with  tlie  Ramjiies,  com- 
manded by  Sir  Thomas  Hardy,  took  possession,  on  the 
J  1th  July,  of  Moose  Island  in  P^ssamaqiioddy  Bay  :  the 
carrison  at  Fori  Sullivan  cousisting  of  six  Officers  and 
eighty  men  under  the  covrimand  of  Major  Putnam  sur- 
.        renderinp-  themselves  prisoiiei^s  of  war.— 
n/'St".  On  the  26lh  of  August,  Sir  John  C.  Sher- 
Sherbrooke.     j^j^^ji^g  haviag  embai'ked  at  Hahlax,  the 
whole  of  bis  disposeable  forces  on  board  of  ten  tran- 
sports, set  sail  accompanied  by  a  small  squadron,  un- 
der Rear  Admiral  Griffiths,  lor  Castine  on  the  Penob- 
scot River^  where  he  arrived  on  the  Ut  September, 
and  took  possession  of  the  Batteries  at  that  place  ;  the 
<memy  finding  H  impossible  to  retain  the  post,  having 
previously  bkwn  up  the  Magazine,  and  retreated  with 
the  field  pieces-    The  United  States'  Frigate  Adams, 
had  some  days  previous  to  the  arrival  of  the  British 
at  Castine,  run  into  the  Penobscot,  and  for  security 
had  gone  up  as  far  as  Hamden,  where  her  guns  had 
been  landed  and  a  position  taken,  with  a  view  of  pro- 
tecting her.    Captain  Barrie  of  the  Dragon,    with  a 
suitable  naval  force,  and  600  picked  men,  under  the 
command  of  dolonel  John  of  the  60th  Regiment,  were 
delached  up  the  River  for  the  purpose  of  obtaining  pos- 
session or  destroying  the  Adams.     The  enemy,  who  at 
first  offered  a  spirited  resistance,  teller  setting  fire  to 
the  Frigata»  fled  in  all  directions,  upon  finding  the 
British  resolutely  advancing  against  their  positions. 
c«,,^.ol  r^\f>co&  of  ordnance  and  three  stands  of  colours 
fell  into  the  hands  of  the  British,  who.e  loss  amounted 


1814] 

to  no  ! 
seven 

Afte 

ton  wa 

chias, 

by  tha 

ing  on 

treated 

ordnaii 

Lieut. 

into  ^li 

commu 

ing  the 

ihe  cou 

ser%-e  a 

This,  S 

and  pr 

a  cessa 

populoi 

miles  a] 

of  cour 

Lower-* 

British  J 

o-f  treasi 

Amon 
the  Mon 
ftier,  the 
meniber* 
ably  vig 

connoitr 


enemy's 
uQSwkk. 
er  Lieut. 
es,  CO  ra- 
il, on  the 
Bay :  the 
icers  and 
nam  sur- 
if  war. — 
C.  Sher- 
iifax,  the 
ten  tran- 
Jron,  un- 
e  Penob- 
jpteniber, 
>lace ;  the 
;t,  having 
ated  with 
e  Adams, 
le  British 
r  security 
guns  had 
;w  of  pro- 
n,    with  a 
under  the 
nent,  were 
lining  pos- 
oy,  who  at 
ing  fire  to 
inding  the 
positions, 
of  colours 
amounted 


1814] 


SIR    GEORGE    7»RErOST. 


199 


to  no  more  than  one  man  killed,  and  one  officer  and 
seven  men  wounded* 

After  the  capture  of  Castine,  Lieut  Cofonel  Piftinir- 
ton  was  despatched  with  a  brigade  of  troops  for  Ma- 
chias,  which  was  taken  possession  of  on  the  Tlth  Sept 
by  that  officer;  the  detachment  in  Fort  O^Brien  hav-' 
i»g  on  tlie  approach  of  the  British,  precipitately  re- 
treated/ron,  the  Fort,   leaving  twenty-six  pieces  of 
ordnance  with  a  quantity  of  small  anns  and  ammunition. 
Lieut.  Col.  Pilkington  was  on  the  point  oi^  marching 
nito  ^he  interioF  of  the  country  whenhe  received  I 
communication  from  Lieut.  General  Brewer,  command- 
ing the  District,  engaging  that  thfe  militia  forces  within 
iiie  county  of  Washington'  should  not  bear  arms  or  • 
^rve  against  His  Britannic  Majesty  during  the  war. 
Ihis,  with  a  similar  offer  made  by  the  Civi*  Officers 
and  principal  inhtibitants  of  the  county,  brought  on 
a  cessation  of  arms.    By  these  judicious  measures  a 
populous  extent  of  territory,  stretching  one  hundred 
miles  along  the  sea  coast,  including  a  valuable  tract 
of  coutrtry,  partly  separating  New-Brunswick  from 
Lower-Canada,  passed  under  the   dominion   of  the 
British  arms  without  effusion  of  blood  or  the  least  waste 
cf treasure. 

Among  the  casualties  in  advance  along  the  Lines  on 
the  Montreal  frontier  in  the  course  of  the  present  Sum- 
mer, the  death  of  captain  Mailloux  deserves  to  be  re- 
membered. This  brave  Canadian  had  been  remark- 
ably  vigilant,  and  was  of  essential  service  in  watching 
...  „,.„., ^,„^„,-  „,  j.^„  ciiciny.     ne  ieii  while  on  a  re- 


connoitriiig  party,  into  the  hands-  of  the  enemy,  who 


200 


ADMINISTRATION  OF 


[1814 


had  laid  in  ambush  for  him— H*?  received  several  balls 
through  the  body,  of  which  he  languished  some  days, 
receiving  however  the  greatest  attention  from  the  Ame- 
rican Surgeons,  as  well  as  from  those  of  the  British, 
who  were  allowed  by  the  enemy  to  cross  the  lines  to 
attend  him.  The  body,  after  his  decease,  was  sent  to 
the  lines  escorted  by  a  party  of  the  American  Military 
with  the  iionors  of  war,  and  every  mark  of  respect  for 
the  memory  of  the  deceased. 

The  arrival  of  a  strong  reinforcement  of  near  sijt- 
teen  thousand  men  from  the  Garonne,  of  the  Duke  of 
Wellington's  army  in  July  and  August,  determined  Sir 
George  Prevost  to  invade  the  state  of  New-Yerk  by 
way  of  Lake  Champlain.    The  flotilla  at  hh-mx-Koix 
was  necessary  to  co-operate  with  the  land  forces,  and 
the  Commissary  General  and  Quarter-Master  General, 
in  order  to  expedite  the  new  Frigate  (the  Confiance) 
were  directed  to  suspend  every  other  branch  of  the 
public  Service  which  interfered  with  its  equipment. 
Sir  James  L.  Yeo  was  urged  by  the  Commander  of 
the  Forces,  (early  in  August)  to  put  this  division  of  his 
command  into  an  effective  state,  for  the  contemplated 
Service.     In  answer  to  this,  he  was  acquainted  by  the 
Commodore,  that  the  squadron  on  Lake  Champlain 
was  already  ninety  men  over  complete,  and  immedi- 
*  ately  superceded  Captain  Fisher,  who  with  much  exer- 
tion had  almost  prepared  the  flotilla  for  active  service, 
appointing  Captain  Downie  from  the  Lake  Ontario 
squadron  in  his  stead.     The  Commander  of  the  Forces, 
disappointed  in  not  receiving  a  reinforcement  of  Sea- 
«v.on  fx/Mn  T.nlfP  Ontnrio.  anolied  to  Admiral  Otwav 
and  Captain  Lord  James  O'Brien  then  at  Quebec, 


u 


[1814 

'al  balls 
le  days, 
he  Ame- 
British, 
lines  to 
;  sent  to 
Military 
pect  for 


lear  six- 
Duke  of 
lined  Sir 
fork  by 

'ces,  and 
Geneial, 
>nfiance) 
h  of  the 
uiptnent. 
mder  of 
on  of  his 
emplated 
id  by  the 
[lamplain 

im  medi- 
ae h  exer- 
e  service, 

Ontario 
e  Forces, 
t  of  Sea- 
»1  Otway 

Quebec, 


1814] 


SIR  GEORGE  PREVOST. 


20t 


whoAirnished  a  strong  reinforcement  from  their  r<^ 

ofTn^l  ^''"^^''^  ^"'  ^^"^^^^^  '^^  ^*^r--- 

Sir  George  Prevost  having  sent  to  UppeivCanada^. 
a  brigade  of  troops  under  Major-^General  Kempt,  whc^ 
was  authorized  to  make  a  descent  upon  Sacket^  Har- 
bour before  the  close  of  the  Season,  if  such  a  measure- 
shoyid  be  thought  practicable,  concentrated  his  army 
betiveen  Laprairie  and  fort  Chambly,  under  the  imme- 
diate command   of  Major  General  De  Rottenbur^h. 
AJtho  the  flotilla  was  scarcely  ready  to  co-operate, 
finding  that  a  strong  division  of  the  enemy's  forces  unl 
der  Generallzard,    bad    marched   from  Plattsbur^h 
to  reinlorce   the  troops  at  Fort  Erie,  he,  in  order  to 
check  the  advance  of  tbis  division,  put  his  army   in 
inovement  and  crossed  the  lines  at  Odeltown,  on  the^' 
first  of  September.-    0ir  the  third,  he  advanced  and- 
occupied   Champlain   Town,  which. the  enemy  abaa^ 
doned  upon  his  approach..  J:       «*" 

From  this  point  the  whole  British  force  marched  on  - 
ttie  4th  in  two  columns,  by  parallel  roads  upon  PJatts- 
burgh  through  a  woody  country.     The  column  ad- 
vancing by  the  western  road,  (more  elevated  and   on- 
drier  ground  than  the  road  next  the  lake,  which  was- 
low  and    swampy,)    commanded  by  Major   General*, 
l^owerand  Robinson,   was   smartly  opposed  bv  the 
enemy^s.  militia.    It  however,  drove  the  enemy    back 
upon  Plattsburgh  on  the  sixth,  and  opened  the  way 
lor  the  left   brigade,  commanded  by  Major  GenP,i. 
iii'i.foane  by  Dead  Ci  eek,  a  strong  position  upon  the> 
fcorder  of  Lake  Champlain,  which  the  enemy  had  oc- 


202 


ADMINISTRATION  OF 


[1814 


copied  in  force,  after  destroying  a  bridge  over  the 
stream,  wliich  in  this  place  was  not  fordable,  having  so 
■  distributed  their  gun-boats,  (ten  in  number,8ix  of  which 
carried  each  one  long  twenty-four,  and  an  eighteen 
pounder  carronade,  the  others  a  long  twelve  each,)  as 
to  take  the  British  in  flank  on  their  approach.    The 
American  squadron,  consisting  of  the  Saratoga  of  26 
guns,  Brig  Eagle,  20  guns,  Schooner  Ticonderoga,  17 
guns,  and  the  Cutter  Preble  of  7  guns,  lay  anchored 
in  the  Bay,  then  within  reach  of  the  protection  of  three 
batteries  and  redoubts,  on  a  ridge  of  land  on  the  south 
of  the   Saranac  River.    This  position  being  turned, 
the  enemy  fell  back  upon  their  redoubts  beyond  the 
Saranac,  keeping  a  vigilant  outlook  upon  the  Fords  of 
the  river  with  strong  picquets  of  light  troops.     On  the 
seventh  the  heavy  artillery  being  brought  forward^ 
eligible  situations  were  chosen  to  place  them  in  battery,, 
when  it  was  observed  that  the  squadron  had  changed 
their  position  from   that  of  the  preceding  day,  and. 
were  anchored  out  of  reach  of  their  own,  as  well  as- 
of  the  British  batteried.    The  commander  of  the  for- 
ces had  previously  acquainted  Captain  Downie,  (wha 
was  moving  gradually  up  the  Lake,  with  his  flotilla,  him- 
self in  the  Confiance  rather  unprepared  for  action,  with 
a  crew  entirely  strangers  to  her  ofiicers)  of  the  posi- 
tion of  the  American  squadron ;  and  that  the  attack 
bv  land  and  water  might  be  stimultaneous,  he  deferred 
an  attack  upon  their  works  until  the  arrival  of  the 
squadron.    This  resolution  (it   is  said)  was  adopted 
with  the  unanimous  concurrence  of  the  General  Offi- 
cers present.    The  escape  of  the  enemy's  fleet  to  the 
narrow  channels  at  the  head  of  the  Lake  might  reader 
it  impracUcabk  to  engage  them  with,  any  prospect  of 


1814J 

success 

the  Lai 

utmost 

my,  an< 

sally  a< 

fidence 

Sels,  the 

perienc 

mander 

Staff,  w 

that  he 

se]  alon 

riran  s< 

ber,  Sir 

from  Cj 

for  serv 

squadro 

intentioi 

trance  c 

gagingt 

jutisfy  SI 

under  a 

at  the  ex 

George 

him  tha 

morning 

hopes  th 

the  squ£ 

and  mai 

united  tl 

fired  wit 

was^hovi 


[1814 

;r  the 
ing  so 
whicli 
jhteen 
h,)  a» 
The 

of  26 
?a,  n 
chored 
f  three 
!  south 
urned, 
ud  the 
ords  of 
On  the 
>rward,i 
►attery,. 
hanged 
Ly,  and 
well  as 
the  for- 
le,  (who 
ila,hin)- 
on,  with 
he  posi- 

attack 
leferred 
I  of  the 
adopted 
-al  Offi- 
jt  to  the 

(Spect  of 


1814] 


SIR    GEORGE   PREVOST. 


203 


success  ;  a  final  decision  of  the  naval  ascendency,  oa 
the  Lake  at  the  present  juncture,  was  therefore  of  the 
utmost  importance  to  the  uherior  operations  of  the  ar-^ 
my,  and  the  expediency  of  such  a  measure  was  univer- 
sally acknowledged,  particularly  as  the  strongest  con- 
fidence prevailed  in  the  superiorly  of  the  British  ves* 
Sels,  their  weight  of  metal,  and  in  the  capacity  and  ex- 
perience of  their  oiBcers  and  crews ;  and  as  the  Com- 
mander of  the  Forces  was  informed  by  an  officer  of  hi* 
Staff,  who  had  been  dispatched  to  Captain  Downie^ 
that  he  (capt.  D.)  considered  himself,  with  his  own  ves- 
sel alone  (the  Confiauce,)  a  match  for  the  whole  Ame- 
rican squadron.    At  midnight  on  the  9th  of  Septem- 
ber, Sir  George  Prevost  received   a  communication 
from  Captain  Downie,  stating  that  he  was  prepared 
for  service,  and  proposed  getting  under  weigh  with  hi*, 
squadron  the  same  night  at  twelve  o'clock,  with  the 
intention  of  doubling  Cumberland  Head  (at  the  en- 
trance of  Plattsburgh  Bay,)  sAyout  day  break  and  en-  , 
gaglngthe  enemy's  squadron  if  anchored  in  a  position  ta 
jutisfy  such  a  measure.  The  troops  at  dawn  of  day  were 
under  arms,  but  there  being  no  appearance  of  the  fleet 
at  the  expected  hour,  they  were  sent  into  quarters.  Sip 
George  wrote  a  note  to  Captain  Downie,  acquainting 
him  that  the  army  had  been  held  in  readiness  that 
morning  for  the  expected  arrival,  and  expressing  his 
hopes  that  the  wind  only  had  delayed  the  approach  of 
the  squadron.     The  brave  Downie,  who  to  the  noble 
and  manly   virtues   characteristic   of  his  profession 
united  the  nicest  sense  of  hono-.  is  said  to  have  bee» 
fired  with  indignation  at  the  refltdon  conveyed  in  the 
note,  i^o  cOiHuiunication  subsequent  to  that  of  the  Otii, 
was7  however,  received  from  him  at  Head  Quarters*. 


fi04 


ADMINISTRATION   OF 


[1814 


At  the  dawn  of  day  on  the  11th,  the  wind  being  observ- 
ed to  be  favorable  for  the  advance  of  the  squadron,  the 
troops  were  put  under  arms,  and  at  seven  o'clock  its 
approach  was  announced  by  the  scaling  of  the  guns 
of  the  Confianee,  which  rounded  Cumberland  Head, 
with  a  leading  breeze,  leaving  the  other  vessels  and  gun- 
boats far  in  her  wake.  As  8  o'clock  the  whole  fire  of  the 
enemy's  squadron,  moored  in  Jine,  was  directed  upon 
the  Confianee,  which  moved  gallantly  into  action  with- 
out returning  a  shot,    (Captain  Downie  intending  ta 
lay  his   ship   athwart   hause  of  the  enemy's   largest 
ship)  until  within  two  cable  lengths  of  the  American 
Kne,  when,  having  two  anchors  shot  away,  and  the  wind 
baffling,  she  came  to  anchor,  and  opened  a  destructive 
-fire  upon  the  enemy.    The  Linnet  and  Chub,  some 
time  after,  took  their  stations  at  a  short  distance,  but 
the  Chub  having  had  her  cables,  bowsprit,  and  main 
boom  shot  away,  became  unmanageablcj  and  drifting 
within  the  enemy's   line  was   obliged  to  surrender. 
Shortly  after  the  commencement  of  the  fire  from  the 
Confianee,  her  gallant  commander  fell,  and  the  com- 
mand  of  the  squadron  devolved  upon  Captain  Priing 
of  the  Linnet.     The  Confianee,  after  the  fall  of  Capt. 
Bownie  foflght  for  some  time  most  gallantly  under  the 
command  of  Lieut.  Robertson,  but  was  compelled  ta 
strike  her   colours  to  the  enemy's  ship,  the  Saratoga, 
which  at  one  moment  had  slackened  her  fire,  several  of 
her  guns  being  dismounted  ;  she  however,  cut  her  ca- 
ble, winded  her  larboard  broadside  so  as  to  bear  on 
the  Confianee,  which,  being  much  shattered  in  her  hull 
and  injured  in  her  rigging,  endeavoured  in  vain  to  ef- 

The  Finch  struck  on  a  ree^ 


<rf  rocks  to  the  eastward  of  Crab  Island  early  in  the 


1S14]. 

action. 
Linnet 
thatth 
ject  as; 
of  acti 
disaste 
ly  com 
coloun 
tive  fro 
ter;  th 
of  whi< 
officer 
anc^. 

The 
against 
enemy'i 
the  fror 
fire  of  f, 
from  C 
jor-Gen 
rear  of 
moveme 
some  di 
through 
cinity  o 
prepara 
assault  c 

The  se< 
was  so  (j 
the  coluj 
through 


[1814 

observ- 
roiijthe 
lock  its 
ic  guns 
1  Head, 
nd  gun- 
e  of the 
d  upon 
on  with- 
iding  to 

largest 
merican 
he  wind 
itrtictive 
lb,  some 
nee,  but 
nd  main 
drifting 
rrender. 
from  the 
he  com- 
in  Pring 
of  Capt. 
nder  the 
celled  ta 
aratoga, 
jveral  of 
t  her  ca- 
bear  on 

her  hull 
in  to  ef- 
)n  a  ree^ 
y  io  the- 


IBHl 


Sia  GEOBGE  PREVOSr. 


20^ 


action,  and  was  of  no  service  in  the  engagement.  The 
Linnet  only  remained ;  but  Captain  Pring,  finding 
that  the  gun-boats  had  shamefully  abandoned  the  ob- 
ject assigned  to  them,  and  were  flying  from  the  scene 
of  action,  while  not  a  hope  remained  of  retrieving  the 
disaster  of  the  day,  his  men  falling  fast,  was  reJuctant-^ 
ly  compelled  to  give  the  painful  orders  to  strike  the 
colours.  The  fire  on  both  sides  proved  very  destiiic- 
tive  from  the  light  airs  and  the  smoothness  of  the  wa- 
ter; the  British  loss  in  killed  and  wounded  was  129, 
of  which  3  Officers  and  88  men  were  killed  and  one 
officer  and  39  men  wounded  on  board  of  the  Gonfi- 
anc^. 

The  batteries  on  shore  were  put  into   operation 
against  the  enemy's  line  of  fortifications,  as  soon  as  the 
enemy's  ships  commenced  firing.    As  the  approach  to 
the  front  of  their  works  was  rough  and  exposed  to  a 
fire  of  grape  and  musketry,  as  well  as  to  a  flank  fire 
from  a  Block-House,  a  column  of  assault,  under  Ma- 
jor-General  Robinson,  was  ordered  to  move  by  the 
rear  of  their  bivouacs,  the  better  to   conceal  their 
movements  and  cross  a  ford  previously  reconnoitred 
some  distance  up  the   Saranac ;  thence  to  penetrate 
through  a  wood  to  a  clear  space  of  ground  in  the  vi- 
cinity of  the  enemy's  position,  where  the   necessary 
preparations  might  be  made  to  carry  their  works  by 
assault  on  their  reverse  front. 

The  second  brigade  under  Major-General  Brisbane, 
was  so  distributed  as  to  create  a  diversion  in  favor  of 
the  column  under  Major  General  Robinsou,  which^ 
through  the   mistake  of  the  guides,  had  been  led  up- 


2oe 


ADMINISTRATION   OF 


[1814 


6n  a  wrong  path  and  missed  the  ford.  Before  the  er- 
ror was  rectified  by  a  countermarch,  shouts  of  huzzah 
was  distinctly  heard  by  this  column  in  the  direction  of 
the  American  works.     To  have  carried  these  fortifica- 
tions would  have  been  no  difficult  task  for  the  brave 
troops  composing  this  column,  but  their  attainment, 
after  the  loss  of  the  scjuadron,  could  not  have  been  at- 
tended with  any  permanent  advantage.     Orders  were 
therefore  sent  to'  General  Robinson   (who  upon  hear- 
itig  the  shouts,  had  halted  and  sent  to  Head-Quarters, 
to  ascertain  the  cause  and  to  receive  such  further  or- 
ders from  the  Commander  of  the  Forces  as  were  ne- 
cessary) t^  return  with  his  column.     The  loss  of  the 
squadron  gave  the   enemy  the  means  of  conveying 
their  troops  to  such  points  as  might  be  deemed  expe- 
dient, and  the  numerous  reinforcements  which  moment- 
ly crouded  in,  gave  them  a  great  disposeable  force, 
whose  superiority  in  numbers  was  such,  tliat  a  delay  of 
a  few  hours  might  have  placed  the  British  in  a  criti- 
cal situation.     So  circumstanced,  the  army,  indignant 
at  being  obKged  to  retire  before  an  enemy  their  infe- 
rior in  discipline  and  renown,  fell  back   upon  Chazy 
in  the  evening,  with  little  molestation  from  the  Ameri- 
On  the  ensuing  day  they  continued  their  re- 


cans. 


tre^t  towards  the  lines,  bringing  away  such  of  the  ord- 
nance and  commissariat  stores  as  had  not  been  injured 
by  the  rain,  which,  from  the  commencement  of  the  in- 
vasion, and  during  the  retreat  of  the  a^my,  had  been 
almost  incessant.. 

.(.—  #-■■■-  ■        . 

Thus  terminated  the  luckless  and  humiliating  expe- 
dition to  Plattsburgh,  with^e  Joss   of  the  squadron,, 
^the  gun-boats,  owing  to  the  misconduct  of  the  oincer  in 


[1814 

the  er- 

huzzah 
ction  of 
^rtifica- 
e  brave 
inment, 
)eeu  at- 
rs  were 
in  hear- 
uarters, 
ther  or- 
ere  ne- 
s  of  the 
nveying 
d  expe- 
Qoment- 
e  force, 
delay  of 

a  crlti- 
idignant 
eir  infe- 
1  Chaiy 

Ameri- 
their  re- 
the  ord- 
1  injured 
)f  the  in- 
ad  been 


ig  expe- 
[uadron, . 
jiHcer  III 


1814] 


SIR  GORBOE  PREVOST. 


207 


command,  excepted,*)  and   five  hundred  men  of  tlie* 
land  forces  in  killed  wounded  and  missing. 

the  unfortunate  result  of  this  expedition  irritated 
the  army,  which  felt   itself  humiliated  in  being  com- 
pelled to  retire  before  an  enemy  which  they  had  been 
taught  to  disdain.    The  Naval  commander  in  the  Ca- 
nadas,  in  his  official  letter  to  the  Admiralty,  did  not 
scruple  to  attribute  the  loss  of  the  lake  squadron  to  the 
misconduct  of  the  Commander  of  the  Forces.     The 
opinion  ofthatofficer,  remote  from  the  place  of  action, 
and  of  which  he  had  no  local  knowledge,  must  necessa- 
rily have  relied  upon  the  statements  of  others ;  and 
when  we  consider  the  variance  in  the  relation  of  facts, 
as  given  by  those  immediately  concerned,  an  impartial 
person  will  pause  in  forming  an  opinion.    In  justifica- 
tion of  the  conduct  of  Captain  Downie,it  has  been  said 
that  he  was  hurried  into  action  before  his  ship  was  in 
a  state  to  meet  the  enemy,  and  that  the  Commander  of 
the  Forces  failed  to  give  the  promised  co-operation  to 
the  fleet,  by  not  commencing  an  assault  on  the  batte- 
ries, upon  a  signal  given  by  the  Conjiance,  in  conse- 
quence of  which  the  whole  attention  of  the  enemy 
was  directed  against  the  fleet.     That  if  the  land  bat- 
teries had  been  assaulted  Jn  time,  the  American  fleet 
would  have  been  compelled  to  leave  the  bay,  when 
they  might  have  been  attacked  by  the  British  squadron 
on  tlie  open  lake  to  much  better  advantage.     On  the 
other  hand  it  has  been  urged  that  capt.^Downie,  so  far 
from  being  hurried  into  action,  entertained  the  fullest 

*  This  Gentleman  soon  after  his  disgraceful  flight  from  the  naval 
action  at  Plattsburgh,  disappeared,  while  under  arrest,  preparatory  to 


'*"«  '-'J'  a  iiavcit  V.UUn  ^flUniai 


208 


ADUINlST&iTION   OF 


[1814 


•confidence  in  the  superiority  of  hifiquadron,  and  thathe 
felt  equally  certain  of  success  whether  he  should  meet 
the  enemy  on  the  open  Lake,  or  attack  them  at  anchor 
in  Plattsburgh  bay.    That  there  was  no  signal  agreed 
upon  between  tlie  Commander  of  the  land  forces  and 
Captain  Downie ;  and  tliat   the  circumstance  of  his 
scaling  the  guns  was  considered  by  the  former  as  no 
more  than  the  usual  precaution  before  the  commence- 
ment of  a  ivaval  action.    That  the  storming  of  the  works 
on  shore  could  not  have  been  of  any  service  to  the  Bri- 
tish squadron,  as  the  American  ships  during  the  action, 
were  moored  out  of  range  of  the  land  batteries.    That 
it  would  have  been  imprudent  to  have  carried  the  Ame- 
rican batteries  before  the  naval  ascendency  should  have 
been  decided,  as  <he  enemy's  squadron,  after  such  an 
event,  by  retiring  to  the  narrows  in  the  Lake,  before 
the  British  squadron  should  have  been  off  Plattsburgh 
to  intercept  their  retreat,  might  have  secured  them- 
«elves  against  every  future  eflbrt  to  attack  them  to  ad- 
vantage.   Amidst  the  contradictory  relations  of  facts 
and  diversity  of  opinions,  which  have  been  given  from 
respectable  authority,  spectators  of  the  event,  it  is  dif- 
ficult to  say  what  were  the  grand  errors  which  occa- 
sioned the  failure  of  the  expedition  to  Plattsburgh,  or 
whether  it  may  not  be  considered  as  one  of  those  mis- 
fortunes incidental  to  warfare,  which  human  prudence 
can  neither  foresee  nor  prevent.     It  is  confidently  as- 
serted of  C'aptain  Downie,  that  he  thought  himself, 
with  his  stogie  ship,  the  Confiance,  a  match  for  the 
whol^  Aiijerican  squadron,  and  when  we  advert  to  the 
circumstance  of  his  having  gone,  as  it  were  singly  into 
action,  while  the  other  vessels,  particularly  the  Gun 


-^v^a -jsai     TT^^s-^ 


ar  in   hie  wnke^  thcrC  IS 


1814] 

room  t< 
failacic 
i'mg  hi) 

The 

ry  Cou 

ferred  i 

any  dej 

his  con 

nerally 

pable  o 

after  th 

my*8  c< 

and  tha 

tion  hav 

their  m 

him  son] 

Fort  Erie. 

aware  tl 

been  re< 

noon  of 

theBritii 

their  wh 

sand  raer 

having  fr 

ingih  to: 

British  lii 

ter  a  war 

ries.    'As 

were  sen 
—  -  t-       ' 

♦vornS    Oi 


[1814 

1  that  he 
lid  meet 

anchor 

agreed 
ces  and 
s  of  his 
er  as  no 
nmence- 
le  works 
the  Bri- 
;  action, 
;.  That 
he  Ame- 
u)d  have 

such  an 
J,  before 
ttsburgh 
d  them- 
tmto  ad- 
1  of  facts 
ven  from 

it  is  dif- 
ich  ooca- 
>urgh,  or 
liose  mis- 
prudence 
lently  as- 

himself, 
I  for  the 
ert  to  the 
ingly  into 
the  Gun- 
.  tVw»re  is 


1814] 


SIR   GEORCB  PSEVOST. 


200 


room  tobelieve  ihmhh  gallant  officer  fell  a  victim  to  a 
fallacious  confidence  of  success,  which,  after  coasecra- 
tmg^  his  life  to  it,  we  cannot  but  respect. 


// 


The  decease  of  Sir  George  Prevos^  before  «  Milita- 
ry  Court  Martial  could  Investigate  the  charges  pre- 
ferred  against  hini,  renders  k  impossible  to  speak  with 
any  degree  t)f  certainty  on  the  general  propriety  of 
his  conduct  on  that  expedHion :  but  it  seems  to  beffc^ 
nerally  admitted,  by  those  who  are  supposed  most  ca- 
pable of  forming  a  Correct  opinion  on  the  subject,  that 
after  the  loss  o^f  the'sqiiadron  his  situation  in  the  ene- 
my's country,  must  have  been  extremely  precarious  • 
and  that;  although  he  might  without  any  great  exer- 
tion h^ve  carried  all  the  enemy's  wctfks  at  Plattsburgh 
their  momentary  occupation,  which  would  have  cost 
him  some  blood,  would  have  been  utterly  useless. 

F^rt  Erie  **         '^^^  ^"^"^  ^*  ^^''*  ^''^^  «^  bearing  tW 
result  of  the  expedition  to  Plattsburgh,  and 
aware  that  the  British  in  their  neighbourhood  had  not 
been  recently  reinforced,  made  a  sortie  in  the  afteiv- 
noon  of  the  seventeenth  of  September,  and  attacked 
the  British  lines,  extending  through  a  thick  wood,  with 
their  whole  force,  consisting  of  up  wards  of  five  thou- 
sand  men.     At  the  onset  they  gained  some  advanta^ 
having  from  the  thickness  of  the  weather,  (the  ntin  pour-' 
ing^  in  torrents)  succeeded  in  turning  the  right  of  the 
British  line  of  picquets  without  being  perceived,  and  af- 
ter a  warm  cotitest,  obtained  possession  of  two  batte- 
ries.   As  soon  as  the  alarm  was  given,  reinforcements 
were  sent  forward,  wfio  drove  the  enemy  from  the 
works  of  which  they  had  gained  possession,  and  pur- 

18  ^ 


210 


ADMIN  ISTBATION  4>r 


[1614 


sued  them  to  the  glacis  of  FortEriit,  whilher  they  re- 
tired with  precipitation,  with  the  lo8S  (hy  their  own  ac- 
counts) in  kUled,  wounded  and  mining,  of  five  hu  n- 
dred  and  nine  men,  including  eleven  otiicers  killed  and 
twenty-three  wounded.  The  British  loss  amounted  to 
three  officers  and  one  hundred  and  twelve  men  kdled, 
seventeen  officers  and  one  hundred  and  sixty-one  men 
wounded,  and  tlurteen  officers  and  three  hundred  and 
three  men  missing;  making  a  total  of  609  officers  and 
men. 

General  Dramraona,  after  tWa  affair,  finding  lii. 
troops  encamped  in  alow  situation,  now  rendered  very 
unhealthy  by  the  late  constant  rains,  growing  sickly, 
raised  the  investme«  of  Fort  Erie,  and  fell  back  upon 
Cliippawa,  on  the  evening  of  the  21st  of  September, 
without  molestation  by  the  «aemy. 

Sir  James  L.  Teo,  after  much  exertion,  completed 
the  Saint  Lawrence,  a  new  ship  of  100  guns,  and  on 
the  16th  October,  saUed  from  Kingston  for  the  head  of 
the  lake  with  a  reinforcement  of  troops  and  supphes 
for  the  army ;  Commodore  Chauncey  ''«""g  P;*"^  f 
retired  to  Sacket's  Harbour,  on  liearmg  that  the  Br.- 
tUh  squadrpn  was  prepared  for  the  lake     Gen-Brow., 
finding  the  American  squadron  incapable  o*--  o- ■pera- 
ting  with  him,  came  to  the  resolution  of  evMnr^t ,«;  i  ort 
Erk,  which  he  accordingly  did  on  the  Stl.  '-«'";^'% 
after  calling  in  his  out-posts  and  destroymg  the  whole 
works  at  that  post,  and  retired  across  the  Niagara  to 
his  c*  .   ^ritory,  leaving  the  wearied  Inhabitants  of  the 
Upp«  1  iV  JviB'ce  once  more  to  their  repose. 


[1814 

5y  re- 
^n  at- 
hii  n- 
id  and 
ted  to 
killed, 
e  men 
id  and 
rs  and 


Qg  his 
d  very 
sickly, 
k  upon 
ember, 

[ipleted 
and  on 
tiead  of 
applies 
viously 
he  6ri- 
.  Brown 
-opera- 
ftg  >''or.t 
iCUijer, 
e  whole 
garai  to 
ts  of  the 


^^^^1  SIR  OKORCE  PBEVOST.  211 

The  American^ffmy  throughout  the  present  cam- 
paign evinced  a  character  and   an  improved  stat^  of 
disciphne  far  beydTid  wimt  might  have  been  expected 
Iron,  such  raw  materials.     The  bm  barous  conckjct  of  a 
few  desperadoes  wIk,  occasionally  made  incursions  into 
the  western  parts  of  Upper  Canada  di»graeed  however 
the  reputation  which  their  regular  army  had  acquired 
in  the  eshn    tionof  the  British,  ever  ready  to  acknow- 
lo.gc  mei'it  in  a  virtuous  enemy.    The  Villages  of  Do- 
ver aud  Port  Talbot  were  destroyed  by  these  ruthless 
barbarians  in  the  course  of  tJfe  summer:  but  the  de- 
vastation 3vhich  marked  the  course  of  a  horde  of  mount- 
ed  men    from   Kentucky,   under  Brigadier   General 
M  Arthur,  m  the  month  of  November,  exceeded  every 
thing..    The  Country  through  which  they  passed  was 
given  up^to  indiscriminate  plunder:  the  settlements 
were  reduced  to  ashes,  and  the  miserable  inhabitants 
were  left  to  perish  with  cold  and  hunger.     This  band  of 
ruffians  was  arrested  in  its  progress,  on  attempting  to 
cross  the  GrandRiver,  by.a  party  of  the  103d  Reai- 
ment  and  a  few  Indian  Warriors,  and  their  speedy  re- 
treat before  aparty  of  the  19th  Light  Dragoons  saved 
hem  from  exemplary  chastisement.     They  made  good 
their  retreat  to  Detroit  from  whence  they  had  set  out  on 
this  excursion. 

Tho  troops  and  embodied  militia  in  the  Lower  Pro- 
vince  were  sent  into  winter  quarters  on  the  tenth  of 
December.  General  Diummond  and  Sir  James  L. 
yeo,  aftGi'the  campaign  had  ended  in  Upper  Canada 
came  down  to  Montreal  to  concert  measures  with  the 
commander  of  the  forces  for  the  ensuing  campaign,  in 
the   event  that  the  nearociations  thpn  ^a....,; . 


1 


i 


2n 


ADMINISTKATIOH   QF 


llBli 


Ghent  should  not  terminate  in  a  Peace.  Th€  creation 
of  a  naval  force  on  Lake  Huron  \n  the  ensuing  season 
was  detci-miued  upon  by  these  officer!?,  as  a  place  af- 
fording much  greater  security  for  the  construction  of 
vessels  than  Lake  Erie,  where  the  enemy  possessing 
ihe  dominion  of  the  Lake  could  at  any  time  destroy 
thera* 

The  House  of  Assembly  met  on  the  21st  January^ 
Mr.  Panet  having  been  called  up  to  the  Legislati\;e 
Council,  Joseph  L.  Papineau,  Esquire,  was  electeil 
Speaker  of  the  Assembly.  The  militia  Act  was  revised 
and  amended  by  admitting  substitutes.  A  Grant  of 
new  Duties  upon  Tea,  strong  Spirits,  and  on  Goods 
sold  at  Auction  was  made  to  His  Majesty  to  supply 
the  wants  of  the  Province.  One  thousand  pounds  were 
granted  for  the  encouragement  of  vaccine  inoculation  j 
upwards  of  eighty  thousand  pounds  were  appropriated 
for  the  improvement  of  the  Internal  Communications 
of  the  Province,  and  a  further  Sum  of  twenty-five 
thousand  pounds  for  the  purpose  of  opening  a  Canal 
from  Montreal  to  Lachine.  A  Bill  was  also  introdu- 
ced to  make  a  provision  for  the  Speaker  of  the  House 
of  Assembly,  and  to  grant  him  a  thousand  pounds  per 
annum,  to  enable  him  to  support  the  dignity  of  his  Of- 
fice, This  Bill  being  reserved  for  the  Royal  Sanction 
was  confirmed  during  a  subsequent  Administration. 

The  Assembly  among  other  things  came  to  a  reso- 
lution that  it  was  expedient  to  appoint  an  Agent  in 
Great  Britain  for  tlie  purpose  of  soliciting  the  enact- 
ment of  Laws,  and  for  transacting  such  public  matters 
as  might  from  time  to  time  be  committed  to  his  care  for 


181 5] 

the  gi 
Jnunic 
Fition 
nor  of 
chann< 
nada  £ 
they  th 
sembly 

The 

dissent 

solutioi 

the  subj 

Prince ! 

as  an  a< 

at  a  for 

which  n 

Go  verm 

gislatun 

Treaty  ( 

the  1st  o 

The! 
and  as  a 
pay  to  tl 
vided  foi 
rendered 
livel;hoo< 
dows  and 
the  war  j 
Rec-ent.  r 
made  to  s 
Uefence  o 


1815] 


SIR    GEORCE    FnErOST. 


213 


I'e  good  of  the  Province.    This  resolution  was  com 

Zn  1'"  ""  ^«''""'^''  ^<»"'-'.  -herejn  opZ: 
o   of  the  P  '"'^"•"■''''*  "''  --°'ved,tha,  the  Gove^- 

channe   h.r      '"?  T'  "'"""'^  <"  '"«'  <^o»'«itutionaI 
cuannel  between  (he  Legislative  Bodies  of  Lower  c7 

nada  and  His  Majesty,  Government  in  GreattS  i.aVn 

.l.ey  therefore  did  not  concur  in  the  Message  of  thlTs: 

diJem  of  diri"°  •  ?'  "'^Z  '■''"'""^  '"formation  ofW 
sZi  n      ^  Leg,slat.ye  Council,  persisted  in  their  re- 
solution, and  presented  a»  addre..  to  the  Governor  on 
he  subject,  requesting  his  Excellency.to  transmit  to  the 
1 .  '2«  Rwt  certain  addresses  in  tlieir  behalf,  as  well 
as  an  address  relating  to  the  Impeachments  prefeired 
a    a  former  Session  against  the  Chief  Justices,  and  o" 
winch  nonot.ce  had  as  yet  been  taken  by  the  Britist 
Government.     Whilst  the  attention  of  the  colonial  Le- 
gislature w^as  engaged  in  these  concerns,  news  of  the 

tttf  " -r*"?  ""^  "^'""^  announced  to  them  oa. 
the  1st  oi  March. 

The  Embodied  Militia  were  immediately  disbanded 
and  as  a  gratuity,  the  Legislature  granted  eighty  days' 
pay  to  the  officers.  An  annuity  of  six  pounds  was  pro- 
vided  for  such  Voltigeurs  andMilitii^men  as  had  beea 
rendered,  during  their  service,  incapable  of  earning  a 
hvebhood.  A  small  gratuity  was  also  made  to  the  wi- 
dows and  children  of  those  who  had  been  killed  during 
the  war  j  and  the  Assembly  in  an  Address  to  the  Prince 

made  to  such  Voltigeurs  and  Miliiia,  as  had  served  iu 
defence  of  the  Province  during  the  late  war. 

18* 


214 


ADMINISTRATION  OP 


{181i 


The  Assembly,  as  a  mark  of  respect  for  the  charac- 
ter of  the  Governor  in  Chief,  voted  him  the  sum  of  five 
thousand  pounds  sterling  for  the  purchase  of  a  Service 
of  Plate.  This  measure  met  with  the  approbation  of 
the  Prince  Regent,  but  was  not  carried  into  effect  *,  the 
legislative  Council  h  ving  refused  their  assent  to  a  bill 
for  that  purpose,  which  was  sent  up  for  their  concur- 
I'ence  in  the  course  of  the  ensuing  Session. 


'  The  business  of  the  Session  being  concluded,  the 
Governor  prorogued  the  Parliament  on  the  25th  March. 
He  informed  the  Assembly  that  he  had-  received  the 
commands  of  his  Royal  Highness  the  Prince  Regent,  to 
return  to  England  for  the  purpose  of  repelling  accusa- 
tions affecting  his  military  character,  which  had  been 
preferred  by  the  late  Naval  Commander  in  Chief  on 
the  Lakes  in  Canada — an  opportunity  which  he  em- 
braced with  eagerness  tojustify  his  military  reputation. 

«  However  intent  (said  he)  on  the  subject  which  so 

*  unexpectedly  thus  summons  my  attention,  be  assured 

*  I  shall  bear  with  me  a  lively  recollection  of  the  firm 

*  support  I  have  derived  from  you,  and  I  shall  be  gra- 

*  tified  at  an  early  period  in  representing  personally  to 

*  His  Royal  Highness  the  Prince  Regent,  the  zeal  and 

*  loyalty  evinced  by  every  class  of  His  Majesty's  Sub- 

*  jects  in  British  North  America  daring  my  Adminis- 

*  tration,  their  attachment  to  his  August  Person  and  to 

*  his  Goverimient,  and  most  particularly  the  spirit  and 

*  devotion  manifested  by  the  People  of  the  Canadas,  in 

*  the  late  contest  with  the  United  States  of  America.* 


{1815 

harac- 
of  five 
Jervice 
tion  of 
:t  *,  the 
o  a  bill 
;oncur- 


jd,  the 
March. 
;red  the 
5ent,  to 
accusa- 
id  been 
Jhief  on 
he  em- 
utation. 


1815] 


SIR  GEORGE  PREVOST. 


2t& 


Sir  George  Prevost  accordingly  departed  from  Que. 
bee  on  the  third  of  April,  for  England  by  way  of  St 
John's   (New.Brunswick)  over  the  wild  "Lnd  uninht 
b.ted  country  between  the  Saint  I.awrence  and  the  Ri> 
ver  St.  John  s      On  the  day  of  his  departure  he  receiv- 
ed  farewell  addresses  from,  the  citizens  of  Quebec  and 
Montreal,  expressive  of  their  satisfaction  with  his  Ad- 
ministration. He  was  succeeded  by  Sir  Gordon  Drum- 
mond  m  the  Government  of  Lower-Canada,  as  Ad- 
ministrator  in  Chief,  who  arrived  at  Quebec  on  ihe 
same  day,  a  few  hours  after  the  Governor's  departure 
and  assumed  the  Command.  "epartute, 


THE   £NZ>. 


hlch  SO 
assured 
the  firm 
be  gra~ 
in  ally  to 
^eal  and 
^'s  Sub- 
l^minis- 
1  and  to 
)irit  and 
ladas,  in 
lerica/ 


an  opj 
bis  cha 


POSTSCRIPT. 

Tt  is  due  t?o  the  public,  and  to  the  memory  of  Sii* 
Creorge  Prevost,  to  give  some  statement  of  the  pro- 
ceedings, with  respect  to  that  officer,  after  his  return 
to  England,  to  account  for  his  military  conduct  at 
Plattsburgh,  in  September  1814,  at  the  instance  of  Sir 
James  L.  Yeo,  commander  of  the  Naval  Forces  on  the 
Lakes  in  Canada.  Some  time  after  his  arrival  at  home, 
he  was  induced,  by  the  promulgation  of  the  sentence 
of  a  Naval  Court  Martial,  assembled  for  tlie  trial  of 
Gapt.  Pring  and  the  officers  under  his  command,  for 
the  loss  of  the  British  Squadron  on  Lake  Champlain 
in  Plattsburgh  Bay,  reflecting  upon  the  conduct  of  the 
Commander  of  the  Land  ForceSj  to  address  a  letter 
on  the  subject  to  His  Royal  Highness  the  Duke  of  York. 
In  this  letter  he  strongly  protested  against  the  decision 
of  that  Court  Martial  so  far  as  it  related  to  himself,  as 
premature  and  unjust ;  his  conduct,  and  that  of  the 
army  under  his  command,  not  being  properly  the  sub- 
ject of  their  enquiry;  and  because  their  opinion  must 
have  principally  relied  upon  the  bare  statement  and 
assertions  of  the  parties  whose  conduct  was  in  question, 
without  any  other  than  ea:  ^«r^e  testimony.  He  com- 
plained of  the  peculiar  injustice  of  this  prejudication 
of  his  conduct,  aggravated  by  the  delay  of  his  accuser 
to  bring  forward  his  accusations ;  and  solicited  the 
interposition  of  His  Royal  Highness  with  His  Majesty's 
Government,  to  compel  him  to  produce  his  charges  in 
due  legal  form,  and  proceed  upon  them,  in  order  that 


A  CO 

Sir  Jan 

was,  by 

ted  froi 

Sir  Gee 

val  of  tl 

ing  of  tl 

12th  of 

of  Sir  G 

impairet 

fected  fr 

experien 

country, 

Lawrenc 

uary,  he 

to  regret 

reflection 

not  havir 

at  PlattsI 

Colone 
opportuni 
brother,  i 
tigation  o 
Prevost,  p 
his  memoi 
iifss  the  ( 
strongest 
family  and 
quested  tb 


JOSTSCBIJBT. 


217 


«tt  opportumty  might  be  afforded  him  of  vindicating 
liis  character  and  conduct. 

A  copy  of  (he  charges  (fonr  in  number)  given  in  by 
oir  James  L  Yeo^  in  consequence  of  tliis  remonstrance. 

t  d  from  the  Horse-Guards,  on  the  I3th  September,  to 
Sir  George  Prevost;  and  to  afford  time  for  the  an-i- 
IZln,'  "^""^.'•^[."'i'nes^esfrom  Canada,  the  meet- 

of  Sn  George  Prevost,  naturally  of  a  delicate  cast,  a.ul 
.mpa^red  .n  the  course  of  service,  became  seriously  a^ 

experienced  ■„  hisjourney  on  foot  over  the  uninhabited 
country,  covered  with  snow,  between  the  Rivers  Saint 

ua'rTrn  ^"-    ?«">•.•'»•>"'''  -d  on  the  5th  of  Jan 
uary.  he  d.ed.n  London,  leaving  a  disconsolate  family 
to  regret  his  loss,  rendered  doubly  grievous  by  tlie- 
reflec^ons  to  which  his  memory  was  efposed,  from  hL 
TJSJX  "  ""-'--^ «='-'"«  "Phis  cond.ce 


''i"*>»;'     -i^?..- 


Colonel  William  Augustus  Prevost,  anxious  for  an 
oppor,u„ny  to  retrieve  the  injured  reputation  of  Z 

pl  '  °^"'?  '-■'""•S-^^  P'-«f«'-'-ed  against  Sir  George 
Prevost,  previous  to  his  decease,  m,^t  have  cast  uZ 
■s  memoiy,  in  a  letter  addressed  to  His  Roya  flfgr. 
»ss  the  Commander  in  Chief,  after  stating  in  fhe 
S"'  %ht.  the  distressing  situation  in  w!.i:h  21 
(amily  and  relations  of  the  deceased  were  olaceH  .... 
■J««»leu  that  an  investigation  of  his  conduct  might  "he 


218 


POSTSCRIPT. 


ordered  before  a  Court  of  Enquiry.  A  reference  to 
the  Judge  Advocate  was  niadc  on  the  subject,  who 
was  of  ophiion^that  such  an  enquiry,  could  not  be  pro- 
perly made ;  and  indeed  the  objections  to  an  investi- 
gation after  the  death  of  a  party,  in  such  an  instance 
as  the  present,  appear  to  be  insurmountable;  the  evi- 
dence before  a  Court  of  Enquiry,  not  being  taken  on 
oath,  nor  could  any  proceedings  with  a  view  to  afford 
public  satisfaction,  have  had  the  desired  effect,  unless 
the  Prosecutors  (whose  characters  must  also  have  been 
eonsidered  to  acertain  degree  at  stake)  were  allowed  to 
come  forward  with  the  whole  weight  of  their  evidence. 

In  consequence  of  this  determination,  Lady  Prevost 
addressed  a  letter  to  the  Commander  in  Chief,  repre- 
senting to  His  Royal  Highness  in  tlie  most  forcible 
terms,  the  painful  dilemma  in  which  she  was  placed.— 
She  dwelt  strongly  upon  the  injustice  sustained  by  the 
memory  of  an  injured  officer,  whose  life  had  been  devo- 
ted to  the  service  of  his  country,  and  whose  exertions 
in  that  service  had  been  honoured  with  the  frequent 
and  unqualified  approbation  of  his  Sovereign  and  his 
Country.— Honors,  which,  though  the  fruit  of  long 
and  acknowledged  services,  were  now  in  danger  of  be- 
ing blasted  by  unproven  and  calumnious  accusations. 
She  therefore  solicited  His  Royal  Highness  to  extend 
his  favour  and  protection  to  herself  and  family,  and  im- 
plored him  to  commiserate  theiF  multiplied  afflictions, 
and  to  endeavour  to  obtain  from  His  Royal  Highness, 
the  Prince  Regent,  a  gracious  consideration  of  their 
claims  for  such  marks  of  distinction  as  might  be  thought 
due  to  the  memory  of  the  deceased.     Hjs  Royal  High- 
aess  acknowledged  the  receipt  of  her  i ladyship's  let- 


ter and 
thing  ca 
interferi 
fore  wh( 
larly  sul 

Lady 
which,  w 
PJattsbu 
through 
taken  the 
gracious! 
lie  enter 
George  I 
mark  of  1 
to  the  Ar 

The  k 
Lower-Ci 
equitable, 
tire  mass  < 
from  ^he  c 
confidenc( 
conciliatin 
indebted  f 
ably  left  d 
hostilities 
mandsof  t 

The  Pre 
Army  Bills 
factually  r 
in  the  finai 
The  organ 
i>lilitia,  am 


POSTSCRIPT." 


219 


ence  to 
ct,  who 
be  pro- 
investi- 
instance 
the  evi- 
aken  on 
to  afford 
t,  unless 
ave  been 
lowed  to 
tvidence» 

Prevost 
f,  repre- 

forcible 
»laced. — 
jd  by  the 
3endevo- 
exertions 

frequent 
\  and  his 
;  of  long 
;er  of  be- 
msations. 
to  extend 
/,  and  hn- 
ifflictions, 
Highness, 
I  of  their 
e  thought 
yal  High- 
ship's  let- 


tcr  and  assured  l.er  that  he  should  be  glad  to  do  any 
thing  calculated  to  alleviate  her  distrefs.  but  dediLd 
interfenng  with  the  Pcince  RegeM  on  the  subject   be- 
fore who™  he  was  of  opinion,  it  could  oni;  be   "el 
larly  submitted  by  His  Majesty's  Ministers.  ^ 

Lady  Prevost  accordingly  drew  „p  a  memorial, 

P  .     'h"    .  "  ?*""*"*  *^  "'*  "•'"'"y  occurrences  at 
Plattsburgb,  she  submitted   to  tl^  Prince   Regent 

LTnl^  '  """l^""  .f'  «<^«' Highness  hafing 
It!"  ^t ""?' '"?  '""^"'^'•^ti"''.  was  soon  afterwards 
giacously  pleased,  publicly  to  express  the  high  sense 
he  entertained  of  the  distinguished  services  of  S^ 
George  Prevost,  conferring  at  the  same  time,  as  a 
mark  <rf  h.s  approbation,  addilional  armorial  bearings 
to  the  Arms  of  his  Family,  "nngs 

The  Administration  of  the  Civil  Government  of 
Lower-Canada  under  Sir  George  Prevost,  was  mild, 
equitable,  and  unquestionably  popular  among  the  en^ 
tire  mass  of  the  Canadian  population,  in  whose  loyalty 
from  jhe  commencement,  he  placed  the  most  implicit 
confidence.  To  their  fidelity,  and  to  the  prudent^nd 
coned, atingpohcy  of  this  Governor,  Great-Britain  is 
mdebted  for  the  preservation  of  theCanadas,  unavoid- 
ably left  destitute  of  money  and  troops  at  the  outset  of 
hostilities  with  America,  by  reason  of  the  urgent  de- 
mands of  the  war  in  Spain,  b        ue 

The  Provincial  Legislature,  by  giving  a  currency  to 
Army  Bills,  and  guaranteeing  their  redemption  ef- 
fectually removed  all  apprehensions  of  a  deficiency 
in  the  financial  resources  of  the  Colonial  Government 
Ihe  organization  of  a  respectable  force  of  Embodied 
MUitia,  and  the  power  delegated  to  the  Governor,  of 


Sise 


POSTSCRIPT. 


turning  out  the  whole  of  the  effective  male  population 
of  the  Province,  in  cases  of  emergency,  enabled  him  to 
withstand  the  efforts  of  the  United  States,  during  two 
successive  campaigns  with  scarcely  any  other  resources 
tlian  those  derived  from  the  colony.     They  who  had 
been  partial  to  the  preceding  administration,  and  who 
probably  may  have  been  instrumental  in  the  arbitrary 
measures  with  which  it  is  reproached,  were,  as  might 
be  expected,  adverse  to  the  policy  t>f  the  present  Go- 
vernor, and  spared  no  pains  to  represent  in  England 
the  affairs  of  the  colony  in  the  falsest  colours.    The 
disappointments  experienced  at  Sacket'^  Harbour  and 
Piattsburgh,  gave  occasion  to  his  enemres  to  discredit 
his  military  character  :  but  whatever  may  have  been 
his  capacity  as  a  general,  (which  we  leave  to  the  judg- 
iiwnt  of  military  men)  it  must  be  adnvitted  that  as  a 
Civil  Governor,  at  the  head  of  a  people  irritated   by 
arbitrary  measures  under  the  preceding  administration 
he  judiciously  explored  his  way  through  a  period  oi 
unprecedented  embarrassments  and  danger,  without  a 
recurrence  to  Martial  Law,  or  the  least  exertion  of  ar- 
bitrary power.    His  manners  are  represented  by  those 
who  were  familiarly  acquainted  with  him  as  unassum- 
ing and  social.     His  public  speeches  or  addresses  par- 
took of  even  classical  elegance.     His  smooth  and  easy 
temper  placed  him  beyond  the  ordinary  passions  of 
m«n  in  power,  and  though  aware  of  the  intr.gups  of 
unprincipled  and  implacable  euemies  labouring  at  his 
destruction,  and  loaded  with  the  ^bliquy  of  the  press 
be  is  known  to  have  harboured  no  resentment  against 
he  former,  and  to  have  reasoned  with  that  coolness 

„j „..rn  with  respect  to  the  latter,  which  can 

only  spring  from  a  virtuous  and  mgeuuous  mind. 


Of  this 
remai 
suppr 

ATOU 

Mes 

lESefl 

iiiutiles., 

"i 

Li  Chaj 
jamais  eii. 
siiccea.    I 
ct  voiis  al 
pour  fairo 
Tout  ?a  6i 
Qu6!)ec,  s< 
€n  Frangoi 
avoir  scut 
Tent  senti 
fiisseut,  qm 
ReprSsent 

Oil  croit 
la  Liste  Cii 
Elections,  i 

VoUS    D'i 

vite  a  ceuj 
1' affaire. 

On  va  vo 
%)))(  taxes. 


ulatioR 
I  him  to 
in^  two 
sources 
lio  had 
nd  who 
•bitraiy 
s  might 
mi  Go- 
England 
3.    The 
3ur  and 
liscredit 
ve  been 
liejudg- 
lat  as  a 
ted   by 
stration, 
eriod  of 
Without  a 
m  of  ar- 
by  those 
inassum- 
sses  par- 
md  easy 
ssions  of 
'igups  of 
ig  at  his 
he  press, 
t  against 
coolness 
hich  can 
nd. 


APPENDIX. 

A. 

Of  this  production  we  insert  the  following  e.viract :  the 
remainder  of  it,  being  directed  against  individuals,  is 
suppressed : 

A  TOUS  LES  ELECTEUllS  DU  BAS-CANADA. 

Met  Compat  doles, 
ES  efforts  ojie  voiis  dvez  fails  a  la  deruiere  Election  i.'ont  pas  etc 

IIIMtllcS.  •  *^ 

Li  Chainbre  d'Assemblee  a  en  p?(is  de  force  q.|'eHe  n'en  avoit 
jamais  e.i.  Ls  payeinant  ,le  ia  L.ste  Civile  y  a  et6  proposg  avec 
sncces.  Mais  I'effet  en  a  ele  terrii.le ;  ear  le  Parlement  a  gte  cassT 
et  VO..S  allez  voir  des  eff.rts  incroyaf)les  a  la  procfiajne  ElHctio.*. 
pour  lairc  aba,.d.,n,ier  les  Represeotaas  en  qni  vous  aviez  confiaucc. 
Ton  va6irem.sen  oenvro;  toutes  Ics  Gazettes  j..squ'aeejfc  do 
Qug!)ec,  sont  employees  ;  el  on  a  encore  mis  une  uouvelle  sur  pied 
en  Fransois.  Tons  les  gcQs  en  places  et  tons  cenx  qni  veulent  en 
avoir  sont  en  raouveraent.  Le  coup  a  ete  terrible  pour  eux  iis 
I  ont  senti  jnsque  dans  la  moele  des  os:  mais  qnelqne  chose  qu'il 

RrrgsertanT^  '^""^  ^"'^  ''*'"'  '''^^*'  ^''""^  ^*"''"^'  ""^  soutenez  vos 

On  croit  le  moment  favorable.  On  espere  rons-eponvanter  par 
la  Liste  Cvile.  et  que  la  prompt!  tnte  avec  laqnelle  vont  sc  faire  les 
I^lections,  oe  vous  laissera  pas  le  terns  de  la  reflexion. 

Vous  D'avez  pas  de  terns  i  perdre.  allez  roits  informer  ati  plus 
I'affairr^"*"  **"'  '''*"'  *''^''  «onfiance,  et  faites  vous  expliquer 

On  va  vous  prficlier  le  management  de  voire  bourse,  nn  ranrSn. 
aux  taxes.    Remarqnez  bien  qui  sont  ceux  qni  prichentet  qui 


^2 


APPENDIX. 


rrlent  aliisi :  si  cr  sont  coiix  qui  out  cou'umc  de  pailcr  de  ui(!n»gc- 
iiu  i)t  ct  cic  ciler  coiitre  Ick  taxes. 

Ccs  pcrsnniics  nc  se  sruit  pan  r^cri^es  de  voir  angmentcr  les  D6- 
IxnsesCivilcs  tous  Ics  aiis ;  tulles  iic  tie  soiiv  pax  rcori^eH  lorsqu*on  a 
propo!;^  de  mettre  des  taxes  siir  le»  tenes  it  j  a  qmlqiiex  anii6r!>i. 
ICIIe«(se  soiit  toiijotirt!  gard^es  jii!!qii*ici  dc  voiisparlfrdc  ccs  rhosus ; 
riles  jcttoient  les  hauts  rria  ccs  dernidrcs  aimles  lorsqu'oii  pii- 
blia  ini  compte  pour  vous  doiiner  connolssaiice  des  Oepeuscs  de  la 
Province. 

Croyez  que  cc  ii'est  pasle  desir  de  menager  voire  bourse  qui  Ics 
agitc  »i  fort,  aiais  que  e*est  bien  phitdt  le  d6>ir  d'cn  avoir  le  manage* 
ment  etixniSines,  et  d*6tre  les  uiaitres  d'augineuter  la  d^peose  taut 
qu'ils  voudrout. 

En  tr.il  sept  cent  quatre-vingt  quinze  la  premiere  fois  que  Irs 
comptcs  ont  el^  cnvoy^s  a  la  Chanibre,  la  Depcnse  de  la  Province 
ne  montoit  qu'adix  neufmille  louis;  en  mil  bitit  cent,  eile  montoit 
a  treute-deux  inillc  louis;  et  en  mil  bnit  cent  sept,  qui  est  la  d«r> 
iiiei  e  annee  dont  on  ait  les  coniptes  publics,  elle  uaoutoit  a  qua* 
raute-trois  uaille  loiiis. 

lis  vous  dirout:  que  vnus  iinporte  que  la  dcpensc  augraente,  ce 
n'l'st  pas  vous  qui  la  pay(z  toate.  • 

II  est  vrai  quMI  y  a  une  petite  partie  que  nous  ne  payon^i  pns,  et 
qu'on  se  garde  bien  dc  nous  faire  payer,  afin  de  pouvoir  dire  que 
nous  Q*avons  pas  le  droit  dc  se  mSier  de  la  depense. 

Mais  quand  la  depcnse  sera  une  fois  angmentee  autnnt  qu'il  aura 
pIQ  aux  gfns  en  place,  il  faudra  que  quelqu*un  soil  charge  de  la 
payer.  Qu'est  ce  qui  doit  en  ^tre  charge  a  la  fiu  ? — La  niere-patiie 
n'a  point  eta!.-!i  de  fond  pour  la  payer  ;  on  tire  «e  qu*clle  en  paye 
actuellcnient,  de  la  caissc  militairc;  cela  ne  pourra  continuer  tant 
<pril  ne  s'agira  que  de  Bagatelles ;  mais  quand  les  sommes  seront 
devenues considerables,  on  nous  dira  :  litest  raisonnable  qu'une  Pro- 
vince  florissante  comme  cellr-ci,  paye  ses  propre  dcpenses  ;  la  mSre- 
patrieest  assez  chargee  dels  frais*des  guerres  qu*elle  a  en  asouteRJ^ 
pour  la  protection  de  Teirph'e ;  et  cela  sera  raisoouable. 


APPENDIX. 


22S 


ui(!niigc-- 


cr  les  D6- 
rsqii'on  a 
%  anii6ri<i. 
:8  chosen; 
qu'oii  pii- 
uses  de  la 


se  qui  Ic« 
;  m^uage« 
peDse  taut 


lis  que  Irs 
I  Province 
le  mnntoit 
est  la  d«r- 
toit  a  qua' 

;mente,  ce 


om  pns,  et 
r  dire  que 


qu'il  aura 
arge  de  la 
iiere-patiie 
le  en  paye 
tinner  tant 
mes  seront 
ju'une  Pro- 
5 ;  la  m6re- 
i  a  souter> 

B. 


II  sera  terns  alops,  disent  \en  gens  en  pluces.  de  rfglcr  la  dcpeme 
et  on  aura  le  ni^iue  droit  q.i'a  present.-Mals  qu;<n.l  la  d^pcuse  sera 
trois  ou  quatro  Ibis  plus gianJe ;  il  j  aura  trois  ou  qu.itre  fols  autant 
de  gens  en  places,  qui  aurout  trols  ou  quatre  lois  autaut  d'influeiiee 
et  d«  puissance,  et  qui  cricront  troi.<  ou  quatre  l\m  autaat ;  et  si  ac. 
tuellemcnt  ou  a  dgjft  taut  de  peine  a  s'cn  dafendraj  cointntnt 
pourra-t-oo  le  faire  alors  ?  Fautil  ait£*ndrc  qu'ils  se  soieut  euliSre- 
ineot  oinparg  de  la  place,  et  qiPil  Roit  Lapossible  de  rgsister  ? 

lis  vont  voHS  e.T.iggrer  les  sommes  qu'll  faudroit  payer,  afin  de 
Tous  6pouvanter;  Ics  uus  disent,  il  faut  augtneuter  de  Vivor-oi.Nq 
NiLLE  Louis,  d'autre  de  (I'TAaANrB  mille;  on  disoit  avant  hier  au 
Greffe  que  c'feioit  vingl-cinj  mille,  aujourd'hul  on  dit  qie  c'est 
quarante  mille.  S'il  I'alloit  se  r6gler  sur  leur  appetit,  la  soin:ne 
seroit  eflecliveinent  considgrable ;  inai<i  oe  n'est  pas  li-dessus  que 
la  Cliarabre  d'Asserablge  se  reglera.  a  moins  que  le  nombre  des 
geos  I  places  qui  y  seront,  oe  I'oinporte. 

ta  soimne  ft  payer  suivant  les  defniers  comptes  q  il  o:»t  gly  pn. 
bli^s  seroit  de  SEIZE  MILLE  louis.  De  ces  seize  mJle  louls, 
onze  mille  seroieut  prtygs  par  I'ucte  dcs  prisons  en  le  continuant! 
et  il  ne  resteroit  plusqie  cinq  iniltes  louis— uue  couple  de  chellus 
«ir  le  vin  de  Made*  e  et  le  vin  de  Porte  et  quelques  sols  sur  le  sucrc 
blanc  produiroieut  huit  roille  louii,  ce  qui  seroit  uue  somrne  plus 
que  suffisante,  &c.  &c.  &c. 

B. 
Governor  CRAIG's  PROCLAMdTlO.Y. 

.  Whereas  divers  wicked,  seditious  and  treasonable 
writings  have  been  printed,  published  and  dispersed  iu 
this  Province,  with  the  care  and  government  of  which 
I  am  entrusted ;  and  whereas  such  writings  have  been 
expressly  calculated  to  mislead  His  Majesty's  good 
Subjects,,  to  impress  their  minds  with  distrust  and  jea- 
lousy of  his  Majesty's  Government,  to  alienate  their 
«..vv^.vx.^  iiviis  xAiB  j.M<yvcij,  3  i  tioouj  uiiuco  Driijg  into 


224 


ArPEIVOlX. 


contempt  and  \\\Hy  tie  Aclniinisli  ntii  n  of  Justice,  aid 
of  tlie  Gcvfrnnienl  of  ti.e  Country;  and  whereas,  in 
llie  prosecution  of  these  wicked  and   traitorous  pur- 
poses, tl»eir  authors  and  abettors  liuve  not  scrupled 
audaciously  to  advance    the  most  gross  and  daring 
falsehoods,  \*  hiUt  the  industry  that  has  been  employed, 
in  dispersing  and  disseminating  them  at  a  very  great 
expense,  but  the  scource  of  which  is  not  known,  strong- 
ly evinces  the  perseverance  and  implacability   with 
>\!iich  it  is  intended  that  these  purposes  should  be  pur- 
sued ;  and  whereas,  consistently  with  that  duty,  whicli 
I  owe  to  his  Majesty,  and  that   aflcction  and  regard 
with  which  1  view  the  welfare  and  prosperity  of  the 
Inhabitant^  of  this  Colony,   it  was  inipossible  for  nie 
i\ny  longer  to  disregard  or  suiTer  practices  so  directly 
tending  to  subvert  the  Government  of  the  former,  and 
to  destroy  the  happiness  of  the  latter,  1  do  therefore, 
hereby  announce,  with  the  advice  and  concurrence  of 
His  Majesty's  Executive  Council,  that  with  the  same 
advice  and  concurrence  measures  have  been  adopted, 
and  that  due  information  having  been  given  to  Three 
of  llis  Majesty's  said  Executive  Counsellors,  Warrants 
as  by  Law  authorised,  have  been  issued  under  which 
some  of  the  authors,  printers  and  publishers  of  the 
writings  aforesaid  have  been  apprehended  and  secured. 

Deeply  impressed  with  a  desire  to  promote,  in  all 
respects,  the  welfare  and  happiness  of  the  most  bene- 
volent and  best  of  Sovereigns,  whose  faithful  servant  1 
have  been  for  nearly  as  long  a^period  as  the  oldest 
inhabitant  has  been  his  sulyect,  and  whose  highest 
displeasure  I  should  incur,  if  I  made  any  otlier  than 
that  happintss  and  welfare  the  rule  of  wy  conduct,  it 


APPENDIX. 


2.2o 


ice,  Old 
Drtns,  ill 
3US  pur- 
scruplctl 
daring 
1  ployed, 
"y  great 
strong- 
ly  witii 
be  pur- 
r,  which 
regard 
of  tlje 
for  Hie 
directly 
ler,  and 
erefbre, 
•ence  of 
le  same 
dopted, 
)  Three 
arrant s 
r  which 
of  the 
ccurcd. 

,  In  all 
It  bene- 
Tvant  I 
I  oldest 
highest 
?r  than 
duct,  it 


would  indeed  be  with  a  very  sincere  concern^  that  1 
sliould  find  reason  to  believe  that  the  arts  of  these  fac- 
tious  and  designing  men  had  produced  any  effect,  and 
that  doubts  and  jealousies  should  have  found  their  way, 
and  have  established  themselves  in  tlie  miijds  of  delu- 
ded Persons. 

To  these,  if~any  such  there  be,  and  indeed  to  tiio 
public  in  general,   I  would  recall  the  history  of  the 
whole  period  during  which  they  have  been  under  His 
Majesty's  Government.     Let  them  remember  the  state 
they  were  in  when  they  became  British  Subjects ;  and 
let  them  bear  in  their  recollection  the  progressive  ad- 
vances they  have  made  to  the  wealth,  happiness,  secu- 
rity and  unbounded  liberty  which  th^y  now  enjoy.— 
During  fifty  years  that  they  have  been  under  the  En- 
glish dominion,  has  one  act  of  oppression— has  one  in- 
btance  of  arbitrary  imprisonment — op  of  violation  of 
property,  occurred  ?  Have  you  in  any  one  instance, 
or  under  any  one  circumstance,  been  disturbed  in  tlie 
fvee  and  uncontroulled  enjoyme»t-of  your  Religion— 
and  lastly,  whileall  Europe  has  been  deluged  in  blood, 
and  while  various  of  his  Majesty's  othe-  colonies  and 
possessions  have  at  times  experienced  the  horrors  of 
V.  ar,  and  some  even  under  the  vicissitudes  of  that  state, 
have  undergone  a  deprivation  of  the  inestimable  hap- 
piness of  living  under  British  Laws  and  British  Go- 
vernment, by  becoming  a  prey  to  temporary  conquest, 
have  you  not  enjoyed  the  most  perfect  security  and 
tranquility  under  the  powerful  protection  of  thatsaiike 
government,  whose  fostering  and  paternal  care  has 
been  equally  employed  in  promoting  your  internal . 
welfurtj,  - 

19* 


I 


22Q 


APi'tlNDlX. 


What  then  can  be  tlie  means  used  ly  these  evil  dis- 
posed and  wicked  persons  by  which  they  ran  hope  to 
bring  about  their  traitorous  and  ambitious  designs — 
by  what  arguments  can  they  expect  that  a  people,  in 
tlie  enjoyment  of  every  blessing  that  can  contribute  to 
happiness  in  tliis  world,  shall  renounce  that  happiness, 
to  embrace  their  views  ?  By  what  argument  can  they 
expect  that  a  brave  and  loyal  people,  hitherto  impres- 
sed with  the  warmest  and  sincerest  attachment  to  the 
best  of  Kings,  w  hose  whole  reign  has  been  one  series 
of  benefits  bestowed  on  them,  shall  abandon  that  loy- 
alty and  become  monsters  of  ingratitude,  fit  to  be  heUl 
up  to  the  detestation  of  the  world,  to  pro»  te  their 
projects  f  it  is  true,  the  most  base  and  diabolical  false- 

s  hoods  are  industriously  promulgated  and  disseminat- 
ed. In  one  part,  it  is  announced  as  my  intention  to 
embody  and  make  soldiers  of  you,  and  that  having 

•  applied  to  the  late  House  of  Representatives  to  ena- 
ble me  to  assemble  twelve  thousand  of  you  for  that 
purpose,  and  they  having  declined  to  do  so,  I  had 
therefore  dissolved  them.  This  is  not  only  direct- 
ly false,  such  an  idea  never  having  entered  into  .my 
raind,  nor  the  slightest  mention  having  ever  been  made 
of  it ;  but  it  is  doubly  wicked  and  atrocious,  because 
it  has  been  advanced  by  persons,  who  must  have  been 
supposed  to  speak  with  certainty  on  the  subject,  and 
was  therefore  the  more  calculated  to  impose  upon  you. 
In  another  part  you  are  told  that  I  wanted  to  tax  your 
lands,  and  that  the  late  House  of  Assembly  would  con- 
sent only  to  tax  wine,  and  upon  that  account,  I  had 
dissolved  the  House.  Inhabitants  of  St.  Denis !  this 
is  also  directly  false;  I  never  had  the  most  distant  idea 
of  taxing  you  at  all  5  such  had  never  even  been  for  a 


APPENDIX. 


2^ 


evil  dls- 
liope  to 
(signs — 
ople,  in 
ibute  to 
ppiness, 
an  they 
impres- 
t  to  the 
e  series 
hat  loy- 
bc  held 
te  their 
al  faUe- 
lemi  nat- 
ation to 
having 
to  ena- 
for  that 
I,  I  had 
'  direct- 
into  .my 
en  rcade 
because 
Lve  been 
ect,  and 
3on  you. 
tax  your 
uld  con- 
t,  I  had 
nis!  this 
tant  idea 
;en  for  a 


moment  the  subject  of  my  deliberations,  and  when  the 
late  House  offered  to  pay  the  Civil  Listj  I  could  not 
have  taken  any  step  in  a  matter  of  such  importance 
without  the  King's  instructions,  and  therefore  it  was  still 
long  before  we  came  to  the  consideration  of  how  U 
was  to  be  paid.  In  truth  not  one  word  was  ever  to 
my  kr.Dwiedge  mentioned  on  the  subject. 

In  other  parts,  despairing  of  producing  instances 
from  what  I  have  done,  recourse  is  had  to  what  I  intend 
to  do,  and  it  is  boldly  told  you,  that  I  mean  to  oppress 
you.  Base  ai]d  daring  fabricators  of  falsehood,  on 
vk  hat  part  or  what  act  of  my  life,  do  you  found  such 
an  assertion  ?  What  do  you  know  of  me  or  of  my  in- 
tentions ?  Canadians,  ask  of  those  to  whom  you  former- 
ly looked  with  attention  and  respect,  ask  the  heads  of 
your  church  w  ho  have  opportunities  of  knowing  me ;. 
tliese  are  men  of  honor  and  knowledge,  these  are  men 
from  whom  you  ought  to  seek  for  information  and  ad- 
vice ;  the  leaders  of  faction,  the  demagogues  of  a  par- 
ty, associate  not  with  me ;  they  cannot  know  me. 

For  what  purpose  should  I  oppress  you  ?  Is  it  to 
serve  the  King?  Will  that  Monarch,  who  during  fifty 
years  has  never  issued  one  order  that  bad  you  for  its 
object,  that  was  not  for  your  benefit  and  happiness- 
will  he  now,  beloved,  honored,  adored  by  his  subjects, 
covered  with  glory,  descending  into  the  vale  of  years, 
accompanied  with  the  prayers  and  blessings  of  a  grate- 
ful people,  will  he,  contrary  to  the  tenor  of  a  whole  life 
of  honor  and  virtue,  now  give  orders  to  his  Servants  to 
oppress  his  Canadians  Subjects  ?  It  is  impossible  that 
you  can  for  a  moment  believe  it.    You  will  spurn  frotp 


:       1 


.*     ( 


11 


228. 


APPENDIX. 


you  with  just  indignation,  the  miscreant  who  will  sug- 
gest such  a  thought  to  you. 

Is  it  for  myself,  then,  that  I  should  oppress  you  r 
For  what  sliould  I  oppress  you  ^  Is  it  from  ambition  ? 
What  can  you  give  me.''  Is  it  for  power.''  Alas!  my 
good  friends  !  with  a  life  ebbing  not  slowly  to  its  period, 
under  the  pressure  of  disease  acquired  in  the  service 
of  my  country,  I  look  only  to  pass,  what  it  may  please 
God  to  suffer  to  remain  of  it,  in  the  comfort  of  retire- 
ment,among  my  friends.  I  remain  among  you  only 
in  obedience  to  the  commands  of  my  King.  What 
power  can  I  wish  for  ?  Is  it  then  lor  wealth  that  I  would 
oppress  you .''  Enquire  of  those  who  know  me,  whe- 
ther I  regard  wealth  :  I  never  did,  when  I  could  enjoy 
it :  it  is  BOW  of  no  use  to  mej  to  the  value  of  your 
Country  laid  at  my  feet,  I  would  prefer  the  conscious- 
ness of  having,  in  a  single  instance,  contributed  to  your 
happiness  and  prosperity. 

These  personal  allusions  to  myself— These  det^ife, 
in  any  other  case,  might  be  unbecoming,  and  beneath 
me ;  but  nothing  can  be  unbecoming  or  beneath  me, 
that  can  tend  to  save  you  from  the  gulf  of  Crime  and 
Calamity,  into  which  guilty  men  would  plunge  you. 

It  is  now  my  duty  more  particularly  to  advert  to  the 
intent  and  purpose  for  which  this  Proclamation  is  is- 
sued ;  I  do,  therefore,  by  and  with  the  advice  of  His 
Majesty's  Executive.  Council,  hereby  warn,  and  ear- 
nestly exhort  all  his  Majesty's  Subjects,  to  be  on  their 
guard  against,  and  to  be  cautious  how  they  listen  to 
tlie  artful  suggestions  of  designing  and  wicked  men, 


who,  L 
and  tr 
vernmi 
thereb 
to  acts 
dispose 
and  IVJ 
best  ci 
cendiai 
right,  s 
inculca 
King  ai 

And 

mand  a 

all  Cap 

Majesty 

diligent 

thors  as 

traitoroi 

any  way 

in  any  n 

to  distur 

that  by 

in  the  pr 

may  det< 

uhutcvei 

r  happi 

jocts  in 

ia  the 
this  21 
FifUetl 


<) 


^P' 


will  sug- 


;ss  you  r 
nbition  ? 
las !  my 
s  period, 
»  service 
ly  please 
f  retire- 
ou  only 
What 
1 1  would 
rie,  uphe- 
ld enjoy 
of  your 
mscious- 
I  to  your 


details, 
beneath 
eath  me, 
ime  and 
•you. 

)rt  to  the 
on  is  is- 
e  of  His 
and  ear- 
on  their 
listen  to 
ed  men, 


APPENDIX.  229 

who,  by  the  spreading  of  false  reports,  and  by  seditious 
and  traitorous  writings,  ascribe  to  His  Majesty's  Go- 
vernment  evil  and  malevolent  purposes,  seeking  only 
thereby  to  alienate  their  affections,  and  lead  them  in- 
to  acts  of  Treason  and  Rebellion,  calling  upon  all  well 
disposed  Persons,  and  particularly  upon  all  Curates 
and  Mnibters  of  God's  Holy  Religion,  to  use  their 
best  endeavors  to  prevent  the  evil  effects  of  such  in- 
cendiary and  traitorous  designs,  to  undeceive,  to  set 
right,  such  as  may  have  been  misled  by  them,  and  ta 
inculcate  in  all,  the  true  principles  of  loyalty  to  the 
King  and  obedience  to  the  Laws. 

And  I  do  hereby  further  strictly  charge  and  com. 
inand  all  Magistrates,  in  and  throughout  this  Province 
aU  Captains  of  Militia,  Peace  Officers  and  others.  His 
Mcyesty  s  good  Subjects,  that  they  do  severally  make  - 
diligent  enquiry  and  search,  to  discover  as  well  the  au- 
iioi's  as  the  publishers  of  all  such  wicked,  seditious  and 
traitorous  writings  as  aforesaid,  and  of  false  ne#s  k 
any  way  derogatory  to  his  Majesty's  Government,  or 
in  any  manner  tending  to  inflame  the  Public  Mind,  an^ 
o  disturb  the  public  peace  and  tranquility ;  to  the  e.  J, 
tha   by  a  vigorous  execution  of  the  laws,  all  offenders 
m  the  premises  maybe  brought  to  such  punishment  as 
nay  deter  all  persons  from  the  practice  of  any  acts 
u  hutcver  which  may  in  any  way  affect  the  safety,  peace 
:>r  happmess  of  his  Majesty's  Loyal  and  faithful  Sub- 
K'cts  in  this  province. 

.T.  T?  rmin    /-!«..«._-,.' 


<) 


•It 


230 


AfP£NDI^ 


General  HULL'S  Invading  PROCLAMATION, 

Inhabitants  of  Canada  ! 

After  thirty  years  of  peace  and  prosperity  the  Uni- 
ted States  have  been  driven  to  arms.  The  injuries  and 
aggravations,  the  insults  and  indignities  of  Great- 
Britain,  have  once  more  left  them  no  alternative  but 
manly  resistance  or  unconditional  submission. 

The  army  under  my  command,  has  invaded  your 
country,  a^nd  the  standard  of  Union  now  waves  over 
the  Territory  of  Canada.  To  the  peace:»ble  un  offend- 
ing inhabitant,  it  brings  neither  danger  nor  difficulty. 
I  come  to  find  enemies  not  to  make  them.  I  come  to 
protect,  not  to  injure  you. 

Separated  by  an  immense  Oceart,  and  an  extensive 
Wilderness  from  Great-Britain,  you  have  no  partici- 
pation in  her  councils,  nor  in  her  conduct.  You  have 
felt  her  tyranny,  you  have  seen  her  injustice,  but  1  do- 
not  ask  you  to  avenge  the  one  or  redress  the  other. 
The  United  States  are  sufficiently  powerful  to  afford 
you  every  security,  consistent  with  their  rights,  and 
your  expectations.  I  tender  you  the  invaluable  bless- 
ings of  Civil,  Political,  and  Religious  Liberty,  and 
their  necessary  result,  individual  and  general  prospe- 
nty — that  Liberty  which  gave  decision  to  our  coun- 
cils and  energy  to  our  conduct  in  our  struggle  for  in- 
dependence, and  which  conducted  us  safely  and  trium- 
phantly througli  the  stormy  period  of  the  Revolution. 
That  Liberty  which  has  raised  us  to  an  elevated  rank 


among 
ed  us  i 
Wealth 
any  pec 

In  tin 
my  Gov 
propert 
your  p€ 
your  h^ 
thers  (o 
enjoy, 
with  us, 
an  arm^ 
dial  wel 
and  opp 
free  mei 

Had 

your  asi 
every  c< 
all  opjiOi 
much  gi 
the  just 
dered  ai 
ties  of  w 

If  the 

be  pursi) 
citizens, 
will  be  i 

The  fi 
with  the 


APPEJJDIX. 


231 


r/OA; 


the  Uni- 

iries  and 

Great- 

itive  but 


ed  your 
ves  over 
n  offend- 
lifficulty. 
come  to 


xtensive 
I  partici- 
fouhave 
but  1  do- 
lie  other, 
to  afford 
hts,  and 
ale  bless- 
rty,  and 
1  prospe- 
ur  coun- 
le  for  in- 
nd  trium- 
jvolution. 
xted  rank 


among  tlte  Nations  of  the  world,  and  which  has  afford- 
ed us  a  greater  measure  of  Peace  and  Security,  of 
Wealth  and  Improvenieut,  than  ever  fell  to  the  lot  of 
any  people. 

In  the  name  of  my  Country,  and  by  the  authority  of 
my  Government,  1  promise  protection  to  your  persons, 
property  and  rights.  Remain  at  your  homes— Pursue 
your  peaceful  and  customaiy  avocations—Raise  not 
your  hands  against  your  brethren— Many  of  your  fa- 
thers fought  for  the  freedom  and  independence  we  now 
enjoy.  Being  children,  therefore,  of  the  same  family 
with  us,  and  heirs  to  the  same  heritage,  the  arrival  of 
an  -army  of  friends  ixmst  be  hailed  by  you  with  a  cor* 
dial  welcome.  You  will  be  emancipated  from  tyranny 

and  oppression,  and  restored  to  the  dignified  station  6f 
free  men. 

Had  I  any  doubt  of  eventual  success,  I  might  ask 
your  assistance,  but  I  do  not.  I  come  prepared  for 
every  contmgency.  /  have  a  force  which  will  look  down 
all  op2)OiUton,  and  that  force  is  but  the  vanguard  of  a 
much  greater.  If,  contrary  to  your  own  interest,  and 
the  ,ust  expectation  of  my  country,  you  will  be  cons;- 
dered  and  treated  as  enemies,  the  horrors  and  calami- 
ties  of  war  will  stalk  before  you.j 

If  the  barbarous  and  savage  policy  of  Grea^-Britaui 
be  pursued,  and  the  savages  are  let  loose  to  murder  our 
citizens,  and  butcher  our  women  and  children,  this  war 
will  be  a  war  of  extermination. 

The  first  stroke  of  the  tomahawk,  the  first  attempt 
with  the  scalping  knife,  will  be  the  signal  of  one  in- 


I 


i* 


232 


APPENDIX. 


discTiiHinate  scene  of  desolatloi).  wVo  whtie  man  found 
fighting  by  the  side  of  an  Indian  will  be  taken  prisoner ! 
Instant  destruction  will  be  his  lot.  If  the  dictates  of  rea- 
son, duty,  justice  and  humanity  cannot  prevent  the 
employment  of  a  force  which  respects  no  rights,  and 
knows  no  wrong,  it  will  be  prevented  by  a  severe  and 
relentless  system  of  retaliation. 

I  doubt  not  your  courage  and  firmness  :  I  will  not 
doubt  your  attachment  to  liberty.  If  you  tender  your 
services  voluntarily,  they  will  be  accepted  readily. 

The  United  States  offer  you  peace,  liberty  and  se- 
curity. Your  choice  lies  between  these  and  war,  sla- 
very and  destruction.  Choose  then,  but  choose  wisely  ; 
and  may  he,  who  knows  the  justice  of  our  cause,  and 
who  holds  in  his  hands  the  fate  of  nations,  guide  you 
to  a  result  the  most  compatible  with  your  rights  and 
interest,  your  peace  and  prosperity. 

W.  HULL. 
By  the  General,  A.F.HULL, 

Capt.  13th  Regt  U.  S.  Infantry,  and  Aid-de-Camp. 
licad-Quarters,  Sandwich,.  July  12, 1812. 


r 


nanfound 
prisoner ! 
3s  of  rea- 
jveiit  the 
^hts,  and 
jvere  and 


will  not 
der  your 
adily. 

y  and  se- 
war,  sla- 
e  wisely ; 
use,  and 
aide  you 
ights  and 

[JLL, 

l-de-Camp. 


APPENDIX. 


D. 


233 


General  SMYTH's  PROCLAMATION^, 

Previous  to  his  intended  invasion,  will  givt  the  reader 
some  idea  of  this  gasconading  General, 

•  GENERAL  SMYTH 

To  the  Soldiers  of  the  Army  of  the  Centre. 
Companions  in  Arms  ! 

The  time  is  at  hand  when  you  will  cross  the 
streams  of  Niagara  to  conquer  Canada,  and  to  secure 
the  peace  of  the  American  Frontier. 

You  will  enter  a  country  that  is  to  be  one  of  the 
United  States.  You  will  arrive  among  a  people  who 
aie  to  become  your  fellow  citizens.  It  is  not  against 
thm  that  we  come  to  make  war.  It  is  against  that 
Government  which  holds  them  as  vassals. 

You  will  make  this  war  as  little  as  possible  distressful 
to  the  Canadian  population.  If  they  are  peaceable, 
they  are  to  be  secure  in  their  persons  ;  and  in  their 
property,  as  far  as  our  imperious  necessities  will  allow. 

Private  plundering  is  absolutely  forbidden.  Any 
soldier  who  qui.s  his  rank  to  plunder  on  the  field  ot' 
battle,  will  be  punished  in  the  most  exemplary  manner. 

But  your  just  rights  as  soldiers  will  be  maintained ; 
whatever  is  booty  by  the  usages  of  war,  you  shall  have. 
All  horses  belonging  to  the  artillery  and  cavalry ;  all 
waggons  and  teams  in  public  service,  will  be  sold 
for  tire  benefit  of  the  captors.    Public  stores  will  be 

20 


:4) 


H: 


934 


A|tP£NDIX. 


secure  for  the  service  of  the  United  States.     Tiie  Go- 
veroment  will,  with  justice,  pay  you  the  value. 

The  horses  drawing  the  Light  Artillery  of  the  ene- 
my, are  wanted  for  the  service  of  the  United  States. 
I  will  order  TWO  HUNDRED  DOLLARS  for  each, 
to  be  paid  the  party  who  may  take  them.  I  wiM  also 
order  FORTY  DOLLARS  to  be  paid  for  the  arms 
and  spoils  of  each  savage  warrior,  who  shall  be  killed. 

Soldiers  !  You  are  amply  provided  for  war.  You 
are  superior  in  number  to  the  enemy.  Your  personal 
strength  and  activity  are  greater.  Your  weapons  are 
longer.  The  regular  soldiers  of  the  enemy  are  gene- 
rally old  men,  whose  best  years  have  been  spent  in  the 
sickly  cljmate  of  the  West-Indies.  "They  will  not  be 
able  to  stand  before  you — you,  who  charge  with  the 
bayonet.  You  have  seen  Indians,  such  as  those  hired  by 
the  British  to  murder  women  and  children,  and  kill  and 
scalp  the  wounded.  You  have  seen  their  dances  and 
grimaces,  and  heard  their  yells.  Can  you  fear  thewl  ? 
No,  You  hold  them  in  the  utmost  contempt. 

Volunteer?, 

Disloyal  and  traitorous  men  have  endeavoured  4o 
dissuade  you  from  your  duty.  Some  times  they  say, 
if  you  enter  Canada,  you  will  be  held  to  service  for  five 
years.  At  others,  they  say,  that  you  will  not  be  fur- 
nished with  supplies.  At  other  times,  they  say,  that  if 
you  are  wounded,  the  Government  will  not  provide 
for  you  by  pensions.  The  just  and  generous  course 
pursued  by  ffovernment  towards  the  Volunteers  who 


APPENDIX. 


235 


Tlie  Go- 


the  ene- 
l  States, 
for  each, 
w'lU  also 
the  arms 
be  killed. 

ir.  You 
personal 
pons  are 
re  gene- 
mt  in  the 
Inot  be 
with  the 
hired  by 
kill  and 
nces  and 

r  THE3ML  ? 


>ured  .to 
ley  say, 
5  for  five 
t  be  fur- 
r,  that  if 
provide 
5  course 


fought  at  Tippecanoe,  furnishes  an  answer  to  the 
last  objection.  The  others  are  too  absurd  to  deserve 
any. 


Volunteers!  I  esteem  your  generous  and  {^triotic 
motives.  You  have  made  saciifices  on  the  altar  of  your 
country.  You  will  not  suffer  the  enemies  of  your  fame 
to  mislead  you  from  the  path  of  duty  and  honor,  and 
deprive  you  of  the  esteem  of  a  grateful  country.  You 
will  shun  the  eternal  infamy  that  awaits  the  man,  who 
having  come  within  sight  of  the  enemy,  basely  shrinks 
in  the  moment  of  trial. 

Soldiers  of  every  Corps!  It  is  in  your  power  to  re- 
trieve the  honor  of  your  country  and  to  cover  your- 
selves with  glory.  Every  man  who  performs  a  gallant 
action  shall  have  his  name  made  known  to  the  nation. 
Rewards  and  honors  await  the  brave.  Infamy  and 
contempt  are  reserved  for  cowards.  Companions  in 
Arms  !  You  came  to  vanquish  a  valiant  foe,  I  know 
the  choice  you  will  make.  Come  on,  my  heroes!  And 
when  you  attack  the  enemy's  batteries  let  your  rallying 
word  be,  "  The  Cannon  lost  at  Detroit  or  Death  " 

ALEXANDER  SMYTH, 

Brigadier  General  Commanding, 
Camp  near  Bufiklo,  17th  Nov.  tgraif 


*. 


